In Bali there are two very distinct worlds. The “sekala” is the dimension of existence that most can see and touch. The “niskala” is the unseen (by most) realm of magical currents and forces. The unseen world in Bali is senior and has priority over the physical manifestation we typically call life. In Hindu terminology the physical/material plane of existence is called Maya, or illusion.
The majority of Balinese today have keenly taken on the Hindu dharma system of religion, which is not the Balinese tradition but a system, which protects the “batin” or soul of Bali and its people. Buddhism was maybe a little too compassionate to face the tidal wave of global tourism. The Hindu Dharma is not as high or advanced as the Siwa sect of Hinduism. Hindu Dharma is the basis, or the basic training of spiritual aspirants. For the Balinese sacred culture, Hindu Dharma is simply further protection, similar to a goalie in hockey requiring a protective mask.

The Balinese have continued to “maintain” their culture and traditions despite the rapid developments of the global world. How can the Balinese continue to safeguard and protect their sacred essence while opening and revealing their deepest and most guarded secrets to humanity? One answer is re-education from the roots up; for after 32 years under a socially and politically controlling military dictatorship, confusion and ignorance was allowed to grow. Now this current state of affairs must be countered and corrected through a return to the real roots, so the culture and traditions of Bali and its people will survive.

Big chili slices without seeds                               300gr

Garlic slices                                                                10gr

Tomato roughly cut                                                100gr

Shrimp paste                                                            10gr

Small chili slices                                                        2pcs

Cooking oil                                                                 2tbsp

Salt                                                                                10gr

Bali lime juice                                                            1pcs

Sauté the big chili in oil together with garlic, small chili and shrimp paste until heated and then add the tomato. Sauté for 5min. Remove from the heat and then add lime juice and salt. Blend the mixture to a smooth paste.

On Wednesday, the day of Galungan, one will find that most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work in another part of the island. This is a very special day for families, where offerings are made to God and to the family ancestors who have come back to rest at this time in their family temple. As well as the family temple, visits are made to the village temple with offerings as well, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months.

If you happen to visit Bali ahead of Galungan Days, you’ll discover that most temples are attractively decorated, dressed up with batik and white or yellow cloths wrapped around their individual shrines. This ceremony is more celebrated in the north of Bali, so if you’re planning of visiting The Damai and Bali, try to plan it during the Galungan, is a celebration you do not want to miss.

One part of this ceremony is “Ngangkid”. The meaning of Ngangkid is to request sweeping to the God which is in the sea. Imploringly holy water which its meaning as sweeping of the baby from all coherent dirt in baby’s body or named harsh body (Stula Sarira). The baby gets water poured over his/hers head in the middle of the sea by the priest and then handed on the parents on land.

The ceremony continues at home where the baby is dressed in a miniature version of a Balinese ceremonial costume, complete with sarong and sash wrapped around its waist, and is given a name. An effigy of the child is made, which the mother carries like a baby as part of the ritual. The image is then thrown away, with the hope that any evil spirits lingering nearby will be confused and, mistaking the effigy for the real child and turn their destructive energies on the image instead. White strings are tied around the baby’s wrist and placed on the baby’s head, the long lengths of cotton represents a long healthy life. Here the baby is also given his or her first jewelry: little silver or gold bracelets and anklets, and a silver box containing a piece of the umbilical cord to wear around the neck. This amulet offers the baby protection from evil spirits and black magic that might attack the still vulnerable child. During this ceremony the baby also gets its first haircut, and the ceremony finishes with both parents praying together with the baby.

Deep fried peanuts 200gr

Big chili slices without seeds 1/2pcs

Lesser galangal/ginger wash & slices 5gr

Garlic 10gr

Sweet soya sauce 60ml

Water 200ml

Palm sugar 50gr

Salt, for taste

Blend the peanuts, chili, laser galangal/ginger, garlic and water until smooth than put in sauce pan Add the sweet soya, palm sugar and salt when the mixture has started to simmer.

Let it cook for around 10 minutes.

Lesser galangal is from the ginger family, so if you can’t get a hold on lesser galangal try regular ginger but test when adding it. You still want it to be a peanut sauce and not a ginger sauce.

The Balinese live equally in two worlds: the conscious world called sekala and the psychic world called niskala. In Balinese healing both elements is of great importance to truly heal an ill patient. One of the traditional methods used in Balinese healing is sound vibrations created from chanting ancient mantras and herbal medicines known as ‘jamu’. Balians (Balinese healer) are spiritual individuals with divine energy and through his chanting he becomes one with all spiritual energies and brings all energies into being, alive and working toward healing the illness.

There may be differences in execution of the healing session because of the use of different techniques from the Balian and depending from his/hers background which means that every healing is a new experience.

The holiday ceremonies are divided into three different elements: Monabrata, Upawasa and Mejagra. These three involve silence, no speaking for 12hours, is a method to learn one should never speak impulsively but instead to carefully weigh one’s words before reacting to one’s experiences in life, to always speak fair. Secondly, fasting, no drinks or food for 24hours, is a method to reach self-control in respect with not to be selfish and greedy. Lastly, meditation, for 36hours you are not allowed to sleep, that is a method to learn to always be ‘awake’, meaning aware of one’s approach of physical life, which should be done with a conduct of insight and wisdom.

This is the time to re-new yourself from events that have occurred the past year. Are you ready to start fresh in silence, meditating without no food or drinks?