BALI (2), INDONESIA

March 2 & 3, 2023

More on Bali.   


Hindu, the dominant religion of Bali, is a very strong influence on Balinese society and culture.   There are many rules and norms that affect everyday living and the crime rate is very low.   Balinese seem inclined to give praise and thanks to their Gods and they are respectful to their elders and duty-bound to care for their parents in old age.


Under Hindu tradition Balinese adhere to a caste system with 4 distinct castes from highest (the Brahmin) to the lowest.   The higher castes don’t appear to confer significant benefits except when it comes to marriage.   If a male of higher caste marries a woman of lower caste, her caste is raised to his level, but if a woman of higher caste marries a man of lower caste, she becomes part of the lower caste. One’s initial caste is an inherited designation.      


Artisans flourish in Bali which lends itself to tourism, the major source of the economy.   They love to beautify their surroundings and hence many are involved in wood carving, metal works, painting, flower arranging, dancing, etc.   


Thursday evening we enjoyed an Indonesian dinner along with a theatrical performance of Ramayana, an ancient Hindu fantastical tail , involving a love story, men turning into eagles, white monkeys, and an evil doer.   In this shortened version of Ramayana a group of shirtless men provided a background chant to the dancing performers.  


On Friday we visited a silver working shop and showroom and a wood carving shop and show room.  We were quite impressed with the many intricate and beautiful objects produced by the artisans at two shops.   


We also visited a village Hindu temple and our guide explained the various functions that occur there.    Interestingly, every village which is a community of 200 to 300 families, has 2 or 3 Hindu temples. The temples are made primarily of sandstone and, because of the warm, moist climate, are covered with a gray mold (as are most other stone surfaces and tile roofs).


                         Complimentary coconut water drink at Hyatt dinner and dance


Some of the actors....from left to right - lovers, white monkey, evil king,  shirtless chanters sitting around the stage

                                                                  Whole Cast


                        Had to wear a sarong to enter the temple.   Cute, huh?


                                                Inside the first section of temple grounds


                                                          Entrance to temple


One of the alters.  There are several structures that serve as alters to the different Gods

(Although they worship several Gods, they say that they are different names for one God)


                                                        The sacred wooden bell for call to worship


                                                     Another alter





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