Bali version of hindu practice

Hinduism is one of the major religion in the world and often called the oldest living religion. At the peak of its influence in the 14th century the last and largest among Hindu Javanese empires, Majapahit, reached far across the Indonesian archipelago.

Though the vast majority of contemporary Javanese and Indonesians are now Muslims but in some parts of Indonesia Hinduism is still practiced as how it was in 15th and 16th century. 500 years later, the people of Bali is still very much devoted hindus following some of the most conservative tenets of the belief.

Balinese Hinduism is deeply interwoven with art and ritual, and is less closely preoccupied with scripture, law, and belief than Islam in Indonesia. Balinese Hinduism lacks the traditional Hindu emphasis on cycles of rebirth and reincarnation, but instead is concerned with a myriad of local and ancestral spirits.

As with kebatinan, these deities are thought to be capable of harm. Balinese place great emphasis on dramatic and aesthetically satisfying acts of ritual propitiation of these spirits at temple sites scattered throughout villages and in the countryside.

Each of these temples has a more or less fixed membership; every Balinese belongs to a temple by virtue of descent, residence, or some mystical revelation of affiliation. Some temples are associated with the family house compound (also called banjar in Bali), others are associated with rice fields, and still others with key geographic sites.

Ritualized states of self-control (or lack thereof) are a notable feature of religious expression among the people, who for this reason have become famous for their graceful and decorous behavior. One key ceremony at a village temple, for instance, features a special performance of a dance-drama (a battle between the mythical characters Rangda the witch (representing evil) and Barong the lion or dragon (representing good)), in which performers fall into a trance and attempt to stab themselves with sharp knives.

Rituals of the life cycle are also important occasions for religious expression and artistic display. Ceremonies at puberty, marriage, and, most notably, cremation at death provide opportunities for Balinese to communicate their ideas about community, status, and the afterlife. (The tourist industry has not only supported spectacular cremation ceremonies among Balinese of modest means, but also has created a greater demand for them.)

A priest is not affiliated with any temple but acts as a spiritual leader and adviser to individual families in various villages scattered over the island. These priests are consulted when ceremonies requiring holy water are conducted. On other occasions, folk healers or curers may be hired.

Video by R. Rajes

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• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Bali
• Hindu
• Muslim

[kumarsa108]

I love Hinduism in Indonesia, Long may it thrive and not succumb to the intolerant attitudes of others who can not offer anything as wonderful as Agama Hindu Dharma.

[MrTwista8819]

Hindu's are forbidden from consuming meat,especially that of cows.The provisions can be traced to several Hindu text, notably the Vedas, Ramayan and Bhagavad Gita. But in the passage of time people forgot their religious duty and started consuming meat. The priest are individuals who are supposed to uphold the religion therefore they cannot flout religious provisions, they have to be role models. All Dharmic base religions like Buddhism and Sikhism are encouraged to pursue vegetarianism as well!

[MrTwista8819]

Cows are considered holy as they are seen as Kamadhenu - wish fulfilling cow from the heavens. Many scriptures have mentioned this.

[MrTwista8819]

@henrikhankhagnell

Everything is the expansion and creation of Ishwar (GOD).

[MrTwista8819]

@787sulav

Vedic faith originated in the North of India incl Nepal and not exclusively Nepalese.

[MrTwista8819]

@mjay22

In Hinduism one is free to pray as much as they desire. Its the love of the Ishwar (GOD) that makes want worship as many times we like...

[MrTwista8819]

@adityasharmaking

These are Indonesia Hindus from Bali and not muslims. U need to direct yr questions to muslims.

Be blessed :-))

[MrTwista8819]

@xthia25

Goddess is the creator and protector of all. Also those manner of worship described is part of the animistic traditions prevalent in parts of India, Nepal, Bali, etc. All text must be read according to scriptures and the Vedas, Gita and several scriptures forbid. Be blessed :-))

[MrTwista8819]

@xthia25

I have to disagree with you on that. Our scriptures do not condone the consumption of flesh,intoxication,etc. Shaktism is a branch that worships the divine in the form of the goddess and mother, and she would never tolerate her children consuming flesh, intoxication,etc, let alone offer to her. Vamachara tantra is derived from buddhism, thus it has nothing to do we our manner of worship. We follow Dakshin Marg tantra where abiding by the scriptures and devotional worship is required.

[xthia25]

@MrTwista8819 This differs according to tradition, sect, community and etc. Meat is even compulsory in some hindu sects and contexts such as Shaktism and Vamachara Tantra. The shastras permit meat consuption if it meets certain criteria, such as the animal being slaughtered in a Jhatka procedure, or so, trying do decrease the suffering of the being. Balinese traditions follows this rules, as some communities in India and Nepal. Hinduism is too complex to be reduced to "dos" and "don'ts"!

[adityasharmaking]

why can muslim people mary so many people