Sumarah: A white-magic mystical fraternity founded by a bank clerk in 1937. Its name is an acronym for Sujud Marang Allah, which means 'devotion, dedication and surrender to God'. It accepts aspirants from all creeds; Christians, Buddhists and Muslims are members. Hindu terminology is used to describe points on the body the soul has reached (chakran), from the genitals to the crown of the head. Each pamong uses a different technique. Hardjanto is into having his students immerse themselves in water for several hours a day for periods of up to 40 days. Pak Sri gives spellbinding talks. Some believe that you can't understand the occult without going without food or sleep. None of the pamongs practice levitation or spectacular public demonstrations of their faith, believing that any outward manifestation of God's favor is irrelevant.

The idea is to maintain a spirit of humility and self-surrender and to constantly worship God. Followers try to cut off all senses in order to enter a world 'filled with light but no shadows' (semadi). Another characteristic of this discipline is the 'testing' of the student by the pamong to determine if any progress is being made in 'opening him up'. Commands and instructions used by pamongs during meditation sessions are revealing: Jangan notol! (Don't be overeager!); Jangan melihat! (Don't look! Be one with the observed!); Lapaskan! (Let go of remaining energy, relax instantaneously!); Dengar saja! (Just hear!). Admission into a meditation group is by invitation. Go along to a meeting or two to see how you like it. Spiritual groupies need not apply.

First visit Pak Sujono, JI. Ronggowarsito 60. There's a registration fee of Np1000, payable after one week of attending sessions. You must also pay a monthly dues of Rp1000. Direct questions also to Sri Sampoerno (or simply, Pak Sri), JI. Yosodipuro 106. Read some folders at Sujono's to familiarize yourself with the technique. Sumarah Association keeps a current list of all hotels, cheap and expensive, plus roomsfor-rent (about Rp5000 a month) for the long term meditators. Sumarah's library at Sujono's house is outstanding, most books having been contributed by former western students. There are metaphysical, para-psychology, Buddhist, Hindu , Islamic and mystic writings, including a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction. If you're registered you may borrow books and take them back to your quarters.