which may be 3 hours or more. Needless to say, this requires lots of practice. One must not fall asleep while doing the Kungkum as this would be perilous–one must not even move as this would defeat the purpose of the austerity. Before entering the river one has to perform a ritual cleansing. While in the actual act of submerging into the water the following mantra ought to be recited:
“Putih-putihing mripatku Sayidina Kilir, Ireng-irenging mripatku Sunan Kali Jaga, Telenging mripatku Kanjeng Nabi Muhammad.”
The eyes should be shut, and the hand crossed over the chest. The body’s lower orifices also ought to be closed (perhaps one with a plug made out of cork) and the breathing regulated accordingly.
The Kungkum discipline is often carried-out for a period of 7 consecutive nights. It is especially useful in accumulating magickal force.
Ngalong
In this austerity one meditates with the feet up in the air with the head pointing downwards. The feet may be supported by a wall or one may do any related yoga asana for this. More advanced methods requires one to hang oneself upside down on tree branches, like bats. One should not attempt to sway or move while hanging thus. Physically, the constant exercise of this discipline helps the practitioner to develop the ability to control the breath–to refrain from breathing for hours at a time. This austerity is accompanied by the Ngrowot fasting method.
Ngeluwang/Nglowong
Ngeluwang is considered to be a frightening austerity that really tests one’s courage. Various magickal powers are said to be acquired through the constant practice of Ngleluwang such as clairvoyance and the ability to