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.