The aesthetics of sabda cipta: the formulation of vibration in ranggawarsita's serat sopana laya

Abstract

This article discusses the aesthetic concept of sabda cipta in Serat Sopana Laya (SSL) by Ranggawarsita as a formulation of inner vibrations in the creation of classical Javanese literary works. In the perspective of dhvani aesthetics, sabda is understood as a sacred vibration that radiates resonance between divine power and human creativity. Through sabda, Ranggawarsita expresses spiritual experiences that are processed into rhythmic aesthetic structures in macapat songs. Cipta plays a role as a center of creative energy that organizes the experience of feeling, imagination, and mind into a complete aesthetic unity. This study highlights five forms of vibrations of sabda cipta in the text, namely icip pati, pamoring kawula gusti, laku kasampurnan, aja sasar, and anteping tekad. Each form reflects the stages of human spiritual journey towards the perfection of life-from awareness of death, the union of humans with God, self-cultivation, vigilance so as not to get lost, to the steadfastness of determination to face eternity. Through these five vibrations, Serat Sopana Laya displays the harmony between spiritual and aesthetic dimensions, making the word not merely a verbal expression, but a medium that unites humans with their origins.