BALINESE GAMELAN
Gamelan is the music played throughout Bali to accompany dance performances and other arts and rituals of the Balinese. The music is based on five-tone scale and is charterized by brillians sounds, syncopations and sudden and gradual changes in sound color. dynamics, tempo and articulations.

Balinese Gamelan consist of several metallpohone instruments, generally called Gansa. These instruments are tuned tothepentatonic scale and vary in tempo and playedover and over in rounds. The Balinese also use a Gong, a percussion instrument consisting of a disc , often made of bronze. This gong controls the tempo of the music.

There is also a cylindrical, double-headed drum called a Kendang.  In Gong Kebyar , there will be two Kendangs, played at the same time, with major and minor tones.

Finally there isthe Cengceng, a set up  of six cymbals mounted on wood and struck with a cymbal held in each hand.

One one of Bali's most Famous Gamelan groups is SemaraRatih
http://www.semararatih.org/listen.html
Jim Cramer, the owner of Bali Advisor, dances Topeng with the gamelan when he is in Bali
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wlANUw01FI&feature=related

Balinese Religion

Bali Hinduism is a combination of elements from Indian Shivaite and Buddhist traditions with older beliefs and practices. One of the oldest names for the Balinese religion is "Agama Tirtha" or religion of Holy waters. Tirtha (holy water) has always been used in Hindu religious ceremonies. The word tirtha comes from Sanskrit and means 'holy' or 'to cleanse'. The holy water possesses the means of opening our hearts to prayer.

The aim of Agama Hindu Bali (the religion of most Balinese) is to reach peace of spirit and harmony in this material life. In practicing their faith, Hindu communities try to achieve a spiritual balance of worship between Tattwa (philosophy), Susila (etiquette/morals), and Upacara (rituals). On Bali there are two ways to pray: 'mbakti' and 'muspa'. The first is worship through devotion, the second shows respect with flowers.

According to the Balinese the Universe is divided into three realms: the realm of the gods, the realm of the demons and ground spirits and the realm of the people. Their universe is divided into three areas; the mountains are the home of the gods; the sea where the powerful forces of dissolutions dwell; and the intermediary region, where people live. This three part layout is repeated endlessly in the villages, homes and shrines of Bali.

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods. This is because there are thousands of temples from the state temples Bali's (Sad Kahyangan) 6 major temples honored by all the to Village temples, every village has three the Puri Puseh or ancestor temple nearest the mountains, the Puri Desa the central village temple and the Puri Dalem or temple dedicated to Siwa, or the god of dissolution, usually nearest the cremation ground. Then every home has temples and shrines. Finally there are temples in the rice fields dedicated to Dewi Sri, goddess of Rice. Of course the Balinese honor nature, and power spots like Banyan trees, Caves, and rivers they bring offerings to.

Balinese religion is embedded in deep tradition of animism and the veneration of ancestors. Their Hindu gods are abstractions associated with natural forces. Vishnu with rain and water, Brahma with Creativity Fire and volcanoes. Shiva with flowers and wind. This is the Hindu Trinity Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva (Siwa) the renewer.

The Supreme Being is referred to as Sang Hyang Widhi Wisa. He falls in line with religious beliefs that resolve around a single god of whom all other gods are manifestations.

Hinduism is a monotheistic religion with one Godhead. In Bali, this is called Ida Sanghyang Widi.   Hinduism is often misunderstood as being a faith with many Gods and Goddesses (Dewas and Bhataris). These other Gods are merely the realization or manifestations of the holy rays from the One God.

The word Dewa (Deva) comes from the Sanskrit word Dev, meaning ray. Bhatara comes from the word Bhar, meaning protector. The Dewas (holy manifestations of God), which appear most often in Balinese religion are called the Tri Murti, or sometimes the Holy Trinity.

·         Brahma - The creator

·         Wisnu - The preserver

·         Siwa - The destroyer  

Visitors are welcomed to all religious celebrations, however, it is required to dress conservatively or in traditional Bali costumes and respect temple etiquette. At the least, a temple sash and sarong are required, and women may not enter during menses. It is a good idea to carry a sash and sarong during your island travels to always be prepared should you happen upon a festival that you wish to attend. 

          By Jim Omi Cramer

         www.Baliadvisor.com

Taha Lot Temple of Land and Sea in Bali

TANAH LOT TEMPLE: Tanah Lot means "Land and Sea". The temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts.

Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. Go at Low Tide to get blessed from the Holy Springs underneath the Temple. Also a very beautiful spot to see the Sunset.

Have You Eaten Rice Today?

In the old days in Bali a common greeting was " Have you eaten rice today? " Rice is an important part of the Balinese culture and folklore and the terraced fields are the most beautiful in SE Asia. Its worth while to take a stroll thru the fields or drive to East Bali around Sideman to see the spectacular terraces.

There are three types of rice in Bali: white rice (bras), red rice (bras barak) and black rice (injin). The Divine plant is considered as a female Being and treated with respect. Each stage of the growing cyle is carried out with an auspicious day, accompanied by offerings. Rites of passage, just as for humans are conducted.

After planting, usually by hand over several days the yellow-green shoots of young rice sprout up. This is  dangerous time for the rice so scarecrows, wind chimes and lines with hanging cloth are put up to frighten the birds. You can hear the farmers yelling in the rice fields at the birds. Two months later the rice will have grown taller and green and ready to harvest. After harvesting the stubble in the fields is burnt so that the old rice stalks  slowly decompose under the water.

Nyepi, Bali's Official Day of Silence

Nyepi – Bali’s official day of silence - is in the news as the governor sends letters reminding all that Bali will go into “total shutdown” on March 12, 201.

If you celebrate the New Year day in revelry, the Balinese open New Year in silence.  The day that falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, is called Nyepi Day.  Nyepi is a day to keep the balance of nature.  ON this very day, the island falls on total silence.  Every ordinary activity in all of Bali is stopped for 24 hours.  There is no fire or any lamps lighted.  There are no people that go to work, no entertainment or pleasures committed and no people traveling around.  They do not even go outside their homes.  These four prohibitions, usually called Catur Brata Penyepian (the Four Prohibitions in Quietness) help people to control their five earthy senses by mind and wisdom in order to increase the quality of life for the upcoming year.

Nyepi Day is part of a whole week of rituals.  It begins with Melasti, the ritual for cleaning which usually begins with a procession toward the beach or water springs.  The next are animal and plant sacrifice rituals called Caru.  They are held one day before Nyepi.  There is also a large exorcism ceremony at the main village cross roads, the meeting place of demons.  This procession is called Tawur Kesanga, which is always performed until the evening when the Balinese celebrate Ngerupuk.  That is when they start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala, evil spirits, our of our lives. 

The last ritual called Ngembak Geni, is the day of silence and the Balinese usually visit each other in order to forgive.  Balinese Hindus have many kinds of sacred days but perhaps Nyepi is the most important religious day and the prohibitions are taken seriously.

Arts and Crafts in Bali - Things to do

Bali Handicrafts

• Threads of Life Textile Arts Center, Ubud: Beautiful Textiles from all over Indonesia. They practice Fair, a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. Jalan Kajeng 24 Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Tel: +62-361-972187
• Murni's Shop in Ubud: Murni, my good friend has wonderful handicrafts from all over Indonesia. Her shop is located at her restaurant in Ubud.
• Buddhas and Silks: This is one of my wife's favorite shops. This shop has carved spiritual images, dye and weave textiles, furniture and many other wonderful works of art, in a relaxed and peaceful setting. Jln Raya Pengosekan Ubud - Bali Phone : +62 361 973336
• Moari: in Ubud: New and used Balinese musical instruments. Jalan Raya Ubud 977367
• Nogo Bali: Ikat Center Sanur Beach, Specializes in hand woven textiles from all over Indonesia Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 104 Sanur - Denpasar 80228
• Biji Living Arts (Textiles) Jl. Bedahulu 6/18 - Denpasar - Bali - Indonesia
• Gallery Macan Tidur Textiles At Puri Muwa Monkey Forest Road 10 Ubud Bali 80361 62 361 977121

Bali Ceramics

• Jenggala: high quality handicrafted ceramics and glassware Jalan Uluwatu II Jimbaran Bali
• Pesamuan Bali Ceramic Tile: Pungutan St 25Sanur Bali 63 381 281440
• Kevalar Ceramic: Jalan Mertasari 21 Suwung Kangin Sidakarya Denpasar 62 36172071

Bali Wood Carving

MAS VILLAGE located just 6 km south of Ubud is famous for woodcarvings. Ida Bagus Anom, on Jl Raya Mas is a friend of mine and a famous mask carver. Anom is fluent in English, regularly hosts workshops and classes on the art of mask making. Visitors regularly frequent his home where he has a woodcarving workshop and also a showroom.

Across the street on JI. Raya Mas, in Mas. is the famous wood carving gallery of on Njana Tilem Gallery, the son of Ida Bagus Tilem, one of Bali's legendary wood carvers. Beautiful but very expensive. Ask to see the private collection.

Other galleries include Baris, Bidadari and Tantra.

Other wood carving villages include: Tegallalang, Pujung, and Sebatu, which is north of Ubud. It is a great area to meet woodcarvers. I would just drive up the road and visit the shops that look interesting to you.

Shopping in Bali

Bali is a shopper's paradise. You can find anything from inexpensive souvenirs and knock offs at local markets to exclusive designer boutiques featuring home wares jewelry and clothing. The Balinese have no word for "art". Art is not a category; it is a way of life. Hence the Balinese are very skilled crafts people and are known throughout the world for their handicrafts such as fabrics and weavings, wood carvings, painting and ceramics.

In the main tourist towns of Kuta, Legian, Sanur Beach, Seminyak and Ubud you will find the widest selection of goods. It is also fun to visit the crafts villages where you can see the artists create their masterpieces.