Whenever Javanese scholars are asked to name the high points of their literature, almost certainly they will include the Wédhatama. This is because it is considered to contain the 'highest wisdom' appropriately cast in a mould of fine poetic language. The challenge of translation has already been met by several others, so that we can speak of ongoing process of interpretation, in which the present English translation represents only the most recent stage and in turn invites the critics to correct and improve it, as our knowledge of Javanese language and literature grows and deepens. On the other hand, though, any statement on this subject, relating to the highest spiritual truths, can be no more than an approximation.

Stuart Robson (born in Sydney in 1941) had for many years been actively involved in the study of Javanese, which he teaches at the University of Leiden. He is well known for his work in Old Javanese but is also active in Modern Javanese, as the present publication shows.