Some say that Austronesian ( Malayo Polynesian) migrants arrived there
to four thousand years ago while others believe that the first settlers
came from China around 2500 BC. The modern Balinese language shows
the reflections of the Proto Austronesian language and can be used
to trace back the origin of the Balinese. It is also know that the
descendents of the indigenous people who populated the island where
the Bali Aga, who practiced animism.
Prehistoric artifacts that were discovered include gravesites, the
sarcophagi stone and the "Moon of Pejeng ", a huge bronze
kettledrum that is thought to have supernatural powers and is today
kept in a temple in the village of Pejeng. Other was recently found
in the Buleleng area.
One of the most dramatic and enduring developments in the history
of Bali came about when a from of Hinduism, which had been introduced
to Java, was transported to and widely accepted in Bali in the first
century. This religion was, in fact a fascinating mix of Siwa Hinduism
and Mahayana Buddhism, both originally came from India and brought
to Indonesia by India traders. Artifacts found included statues, bathing
places, caves and temple. Inscriptions dating back from around 800
AD were discovered on a stone pillar near sanur.
This new religion hit the peak of its success in Java
came with the rise of the Majapahit Empire, but this Majapahits
were eventually forced further east to Bali as Islam gained followers
throughout Sumatra and Java. Some Javanese shamanism was thrown
in en route and merged with Bali's own form of animism.
The Balinese initially resisted the arrival of the
new religion and when the Majapahits first invaded Bali in 1343,
Gajah mada, the Prime Minister of the Majapahit Empires, had extremely
tough opponent in the Balinese king, Dalem Bedaulu. The Ubud and
this was where much of the action took place. The king was so stubborn
in his resistance that he became know by the Majapahits as "Pig
head". Gajah Mada eventually defeated the powerful king and
has been considered a hero and great holy man ever since.
The new from of Balinese Hinduism is called Agama Hindu Dharma,
a blend of the element from Hinduism and Buddhism. Element of Mahayana
Buddhism practiced in Japan, China, and Korea as well as the Indian
caste systems are now important components of the religion.
An important believes is that spirits that have been appeased influences
the elements of nature. As such, offering (sajen) made from agriculture
products are offered to the spirit. It is believe that Gunung Agung
is the dwelling place of the gods and the ancestor; it is revered
as the "Mother" mountain and highly sacred to the Balinese.
As water and volcanoes considered as the wrath of the gods come
from Gunung Agung, the mountain occupies the pool of purity, kaja.
In contrast, the pole of impurity is the sea, or kelod. Balinese
Hinduism revolves around the kaja kelod axis and determines the
spatial organization of the rituals, architecture and daily life.
One sleeps, for example, with one head in the direction of the mountain.
SYMBOL
 The
main symbol of Balinese Hinduism or Agama Hindu is the Swastika,
or the well of the sun. The foundations of the practices are to
acquire knowledge of the epics and of theology of ritual worship.
The main purpose of life is to be released from the well of reincarnation.
One's in present life is believe to be a result of one's good or
evil deeds accumulated from his previous life or lives. Once the
soul is released from the cycle of reincarnation, he will become
a good.
The principal gods are Brahma, the God of Creation, Wisnu, The God
of Providence and Siwa, the God of Dissolution. These three move
the world through an unending process of birth, balance and destruction.
Man, a microcosm of the world, is subjected to the same process
until he achieves moksa, blending into the Cosmos and God. The Cosmos
and it movement are symbolized by the Swastika. Man should endeavor
to maintain the harmony of the whole system, hence the rule of ritual.
Only by adhering to the proper rules of behavior can the proper
balance be kept between the two sets of godly and demonic force.
Balinese religion is known to the world through the richness of
its rituals. Gods and demons seem to be everywhere and the life
of Balinese is therefore rich with abundant rituals.
BALINESE CALENDER
Balinese rituals are ruled by a complex calendar
s ystem,
a combination of the Indian Saka calendar and the Wuku calendar.
The Saka year rules the agriculture cycle and is divided into lunar
months and fitted to the solar calendar by the addition of an extra
month, every thirtieth month. The full moon and the dark moon are
the most important ritual moments of this calendar. The first day
of the Saka year, however usually in March are the day of Silence
and of profound importance throughout Bali, a fasting day and a
day for contemplation.
The Wuku year consist of a cycle of 210 days divided
into thirty Wuku weeks, each of which corresponds to a specific
activity. There is a week of weapons, of plantations and one of
animals. They're other types of weeks varying from one to ten days,
each having a name and number, being auspicious or inauspicious.
The most important days in this system are Galungan and Kuningan.
TEMPLE
Temples in Bali are simple walled open yards from which people can
communicate directly with their gods and ancestors. Gods and ancestors
normally visit "their" human worshippers or descendants
during temple festivals (odalan), and during the Galungan and Kuningan
holidays. They reside in miniature houses set in the temple, called
the pelinggih shrines, which are alight with effigies of gold, coins
or offerings.
During their length of their stay the gods and their companions
are symbolically bathed, feted, put to bed and entertained with
dances and other shows. Meanwhile members of the temple come and
go over three or more days, with offerings and to get their share
of holy water sprinkled over them and the offerings during the collective
players.
VISITOR
As a visitor it is difficult not to be drawn in to
the inherent magic of a place where the people and the land interact
so closely, where the people draw so much meaning from the land
and its spirits. You can see this magic in the long processions
of flower and fruit laden villagers on their way to the temples,
or in the glittering dancers acting out and ancient Hindu story.
You can hear it in the lively clashes and clangs of the Gamelan
orchestra, or the quit whispers of continually offered prayers.
The countless sacred and secular dance, beautiful textiles and the
wayang style of painting are among some of the elements of Balinese
culture that have long captured the heart of visitors.
Whilst in Bali you may choose to participate in this
magic by visiting one of the numerous temples with ancient Hindu
symbols carved in huge slabs of stone. You may be lucky enough to
observe a temple festival or public cremation.
Take the opportunity to see the graceful welcoming dance in which
young girls tilt their heads and move rhythmically to the gamelan
beat, sharing their flower offering with all. The Kecak dance, a
hypnotic chant performed by scores of men circled around a large
coconut oil lamp, where scenes from the Ramayana are re-enacted.
Another must see is the legong dance, which includes a series of
different dance scenes and styles.
ADVENTURE
The more adventurous can go trekking, four-wheel driving, white
water rafting and one day full day cruises. There is nothing quite
as river canyon or trekking through thick matted forests. It is
always possible to feel some of the tribal Balinese magic when you
venture out into the wilderness of Bali.
There are also ample opportunities to ride the most exciting surf
in this part of the world, take leisurely walks in peaceful jungles,
go diving, trek volcanoes and enjoy a wide range of delicious food.
Wherever you are and what ever you choose to do, enjoy
the warm smiles and open embrace of a people who
appreciate their whole way of live and would love to share some
of its magic with you. The traditional prayer position of
the hand and bow from the heart are welcoming gestures designed
to recognize and honor your soul. If you experience but a small
taste of this passion, your own lives will be enriched and if you
also give something in return, in the way of respecting these people
and their culture and supporting them as they find their way into
the future, the benefits will be mutual.
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If
you have any suggestions or comments, please e-mail us at info@ubud-balivillas.com
Bali,
located eight degrees south of the equator, is the most westerly
of the Lesser Sunda Islands, in Indonesian archipelago, lies between
highly populated Java and idyllic Lombok. Amongst the 13,700 Indonesian
island. Bali is the Hindu province and the rich blend of traditional
and culture has an incredible impact. Bali captures much of the
soul and identity of Indonesia yet it has evolved into a unique
culture of his own, making it a very special place. 