Epistemological Approach to Understand Religious Principles in Serat Wedhatama

This study aims to examine the epistemology concept written in Serat Wedhatama. Serat Wedhatama is the masterpiece of King Mangkunegara IV (1811–1881). It teaches the principle of “Agama Ageming Aji,” meaning religion as the grip for the king, the concept of human beings, the purpose of life, relationship between people and with God, including the efforts to achieve the perfect life. It is known to be a handbook and guiding principle for Javanese people. The study on the epistemology of Serat Wedhatama done here intends to put the concept of knowledge as a core to understand ethical teachings as the central point of the manuscript. A comprehensive and holistic understanding is necessary to explain Wedhatama’s moral thought for not being partially disconnected from its epistemological basis. In addition, this study aims to explore the field of
epistemology in the Eastern philosophy, especially Javanese philosophy. So, far, Javanese philosophy is given less attention than it should be. The study is conducted by assessing Serat Wedhatama as a material object, and epistemology (philosophy of knowledge) is used as the perspective of the study.