CYCLE OF LIFE ( Part. 1 )

Balinese Hindus believe that when a person dies, the soul passes into another body, where it is in torment because of evil deeds accumulated in its present and past lives. To cleanse the impurity of the soul, rituals are continually performed throughout the person’s life. The soul will constantly seek to free itself from this cycle of life until it attains enlightenment or moksa.

The process of incarnation is both human and cosmic, starting from love. The union of a man and woman is that of purusa and pranada (the male and female principle respectively) and the cosmic energy of Asmara, the God of love, and Ratih, the goddess of the moon. In their sexual love are united the red and white elements of desire (kamabang/kama petak), symbol of male sperm and female ovula. The eventual merging of the two kamas begets what is often called “The Godly Fetus” or Sanghyang Jabang Bayi, as the soul originates from the heavenly world. A child is called “Dewa” or little god during his first year of life.

Balinese believe that the mountains are the abodes of the gods, deified ancestors and souls which did not attain moksa.

OVERVIEW OF BALI ( Part. 3 )

While in Bali, you may choose to participate in this magic by visiting one of the large number of temples, with ancient Hindu carved in huge slabs of stone. Or you may be lucky enough to have the opportunity to observe a temple festival or public cremation. You will, most likely, also want to at least see one of Bali’s famous dances.

Grab the opportunity if you can, to see the graceful welcoming dance, in which young girls tilt their heads and move rhythmically to the gamelan beat, sharing their flower offerings with all. Another must see is the kecak dance, a hypnotic chant performed by scores of men circled around a fire, where scenes from the Ramayana are re-enacted. Or the legong dance, which includes a series of different dance scenes and styles, is always worthwhile.

Wherever you are, and whatever you choose to do, enjoy the warm smiles and open embrace of a people who appreciate their whole way of life and would love to share some of its magic with you.

The traditional prayer position of the hands and bow from the heart are welcoming gestures designed to recognize and honor your soul, and they are a true indication of your importance as a visitor to Bali. “Selamat datang”, you are always very welcome in Bali.

OVERVIEW OF BALI ( Part. 2 )

The people of Bali, as diverse as the geography of the different regions and yet united by their strong religious beliefs, draw their strength and their meaning from this wonderful environment.

The mountains are the focus of daily activities, with holy mount Agung as the great heavenward inspiration. All villages, temples, family compounds, house and furniture arrangements are designed to face “kaja”, or towards the mountains. The seaward direction “kelod”, on the other hand, is considered to be less sacred and at times impure, although the sea itself is not considered to be propane.

Mountain slopes provide the ideal setting for the luminous terrace rice paddies, which then transform to become vast paddies fields. The Balinese have an ingenious irrigation system which keeps these paddies well watered, and the rich nutrients from the volcanic ash ensure these fields are also well fertilized.

Rice is the staple food for Balinese people, and sampling the steamed rice (nasi putih), red rice (nasi merah), or even colored yellow rice (nasi kuning) is a must. Or try a mixed rice dish served with different condiments (nasi campur) or fried rice (nasi goreng), even some sticky rice patties. Rice also has sacred significance, and it is offered back to the Gods in the form brightly colored cake, or even simply as a few grains sprinkled on a banana leaf. Dewi Sri, the Balinese goddess, features strongly in local mythology and religious observance, and she often appears as a “cili” figure cut and bound from rice stalks.