Kitab Nabawadatala: A 7th Century Sundanese Manuscript of Spirituality, Customary Law, and Traditional Healing

The Kitab Nabawadatala is an ancient Sundanese manuscript originating from Gunungan Kabuyutan, Sumedang, West Java, with an estimated dating of around 613 CE. Authored by Eyang Seda Brata, the manuscript has been safeguarded for generations and is currently curated by Agus Muslim, the fourth-generation cultural heir and the present custodian of Kabuyutan Adat Nabawadatala. This manuscript constitutes a foundational source of knowledge for the community, encompassing three major domains of thought and practice: (1) Katunggalan, a philosophical framework of spiritual unity with the cosmos; (2) Nata Diri, Nata Nagara, customary principles of ethics, self-governance, and social order; and (3) Raksa Jasad, a system of traditional Sundanese healing and holistic health practices. Written in Old Sundanese language using Pegon script on lontar leaves, the manuscript measures approximately 40 x 25 cm with a thickness of about 25 cm. Despite its age, the text remains largely legible, though the physical condition is fragile, exhibiting signs of deterioration. The Kitab Nabawadatala plays a pivotal role in sustaining cultural continuity, serving as a spiritual and educational reference for the Nabawadatala community. It informs both oral traditions and modern reinterpretations, including contemporary educational programs and publications by Agus Muslim. Furthermore, its significance extends beyond the local context, representing a unique intersection of philosophy, customary law, and indigenous medical knowledge within Sundanese heritage. The documentation of this manuscript was carried out between 2022 and 2025 through the Nabawadatala Digital Cultural Archive Project, combining photographic digitization, transliteration, and oral history interviews. Complementary validation was also conducted using physical artifacts such as Batu Wulung, a sacred site associated with the manuscript’s teachings. This record aims to safeguard the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Nabawadatala community, ensuring open access for future research, comparative studies, and cultural preservation. It contributes to broader efforts in intangible cultural heritage safeguarding, while aligning with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the domains of health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), sustainable communities (SDG 11), and peace and strong institutions (SDG 16). License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0)Narrative Owner: Kabuyutan Adat Nabawadatala, Desa Citengah, Sumedang Selatan, West Java, Indonesia.