Specification :

We created this book to help visitors understand the Balinese Hindu Culture and Dharma, the religious belief system that governs daily life.

The three basic principles are Yadnya ( ceremony) , Tattwa ( philosophy) , and Susila ( ethics) .Most Yadnya have a common purpose: to balance and harmonize the three levels of existence: Bhur ( lower beings) , Bwah ( human) , and Swah ( Gods) .

There are many ceremonies in Bali of which: - Daily : mesaiban and mebanten; - Every fifteen days: for Kajeng Kliwon, Purnama ( full moon) or Tilem ( new moon) ; - every 210 days: Odalan ( anniversary) .
Every 100 years is Eka Dasa Rudra: a very special ceremony is performed at Besakih temple ( last 1979) .

Mesaiban is to make small offers to appease Butha Kala ( lower beings) placed on the ground in doorways, by the well, on thestove, and various places throughout the compound. Saiban is a simple offering of a little rice, on a piece of banana leaf, sprinkled with saur and salt. saur is grated coconut roasted with white and yellow turmeric and sometimes garlic.

Panca Yadnya are five types of ceremony: Dewa Yadnya: for Gods and Goddesses as manifestations of Hyang Widhi; Pitra Yadnya : For ancestors who give us guidance in life and the opportunity to be born; Manusia Yadnya : To protect our lives and those of our children; Rsi Yadnya : dedicated to the priests who guide us spiritually; and Bhuta Yadnya : to any other beings ( visible and invisible) to ensure harmony and unity nature.

Yadnya also called Karia ( work) is a function of Panca Srada ( 5 beliefs) , which are : Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa ( Supreme Being ) ; Atman ( soul) ; Karma Pala ( cause and effect) ; Samsara ( reincarnation) & Moksa ( ascendance) .

In the Hindu religion, it is said that humans are the perfect creation of Ida Hyang Widhi Wasa.
The wolrd' s creations have three characteristics:
Bayu, ability to grow, Sabda, ability to make sound: and Idep, the ability to think. Plants have Bayu; animal, have Bayu and Sabda and humans have all three, differenttiating us from other creatures.

With these abilities, humans also affect this world with their thoughts. Lets us strive to control ourselves well and to think and feel positive towards life.

We hope you will find Bali Art & Culture entertaining as well as informative and a great souvenir of your trip to Bali.we also hope that you will bring many back home as gifts for family and friends.Thank you very much.

Enjoy your reading and your stay in Bali!