Balinese Culture

Balinese Culture and Hindu Relgion

The main religion practiced in Bali is a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma, where the Hindu it self is consisted of some religious sect, but in Bali all of Balinese are Hindu Ciwa. The two religions (Hindu and Buddhist) arrive from Java and some extend from India during the 8 th to 16 th centuries. The main symbol of Balinese Hinduism is the Swastika or wheel of the sun. An important belief is that elements of nature are influenced by spirit, which has been appeased. As such offerings (Sesajen) made from agriculture product are offered to this spirit. It is believed that Mount Agung is the abode of the gods and the ancestors. As such, it is revered as the `mother` mountain and is highly sacred to the Balinese.

Bali Hindu History

The religion in Bali is according to three principles those are Desa (place), Kala (time) and Patra (circumstance). Five pillars of faith acknowledge Hinduism. They are believe in the one Supreme God (Sang Hyang Whidi Wasa), belief in the soul as the universal principle of life and consciousness (atma), belief in the fruition of one`s deeds ( karma pala ), belief in the process of birth and death (samsara), and belief in ultimate release (moksa). The religious rites of the Balinese consist of the human rites (Manusa Yadnya), the rites of the dead (Pitra Yadnya), rites of the gods or temple rites (Dewa Yadnya), rites of the demonic forces (Buta Yadnya ) and ordainment rites (Rsi Yadnya). Holy water, fire, ash, geese, duck, eggs and dabdab tree leave are purifying elements used in the ritual. The Balinese are extremely devout and no day goes by without making offerings to the gods. These daily offerings - called Banten are a major part of Balinese life. You will see these offerings nearly everywhere in Bali . Made of flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice and even sometimes money (the actual items used are not as important as the process of making and offering it to the spirits) these offerings are given to the good spirits in hopes of continued prosperity as well as to the evil spirits as an appeasement.