PERSPEKTIF ALDOUS HUXLEY TERHADAP KONSTRUKSI SPIRITUALITAS GENDER PADA HUBUNGAN GEMBLAK-WAROK DALAM REOG PONOROGO

Abstract

This study employs the method of philosophical hermeneutics to offer a novel perspective on the construction of gender in the relationship between gemblak and warok, using Aldous Huxley’s perennial philosophy as the theoretical foundation. The central research question is: What spiritual foundation underlies the relationship between gemblak and warok? This qualitative research relies on a literature-based approach for data collection. The analysis reveals three key findings. First, Aldous Huxley’s thought stems from a critique of modern industrial society, which lacks spiritual awareness due to its pursuit of material achievement and physical satisfaction. According to Huxley, focusing on the spiritual dimension enables humans to attain deeper knowledge of the Divine reality, which is universal and transcends all appearances. Second, within the context of Reog Ponorogo, the warok holds a central
position, and his existence is inseparable from the presence of the gemblak. The warokgemblak relations develop gender construction, which is not grounded in sexual desire but in the pursuit of spiritual balance. Third, from Huxley’s perspective, the gemblakan tradition can be understood as a form of spiritual exercise aiming at maintaining the warok’s inner stability, redirecting him (warok) away from bodily temptations, and guiding him toward the Divine reality. Thus, the gender construction within the gemblak-warok relations, whenviewed through the lens of perennial philosophy, is not merely a social or cultural interaction, but a spiritual practice oriented toward transcendent consciousness. It is believed that the existence of universal metaphysical truths is found within the gemblak-warok tradition. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, spiritual exploration, and
the search for meaning in life in an increasingly complex and changing world.