Balinese Hinduism clearly distinguishes itself from Indian Hinduism. Around the 8th century, Balinese princes invited great priests from India, representing both Buddhist and Hindu religions. These priests taught in Bali, where people worshipped three Hindu gods: Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Despite practicing Hinduism, the religion in Bali differed from that of Java, where the famous Majapahit dynasty ruled. Conflicts arose between these two kingdoms, giving rise to a sacred mythology.
Do you know the history of Bali's conquest ? In 1943, a portion of Bali was ruled by a king named Béda Ulu, who claimed to possess supernatural powers, including the ability to detach and reattach his head. To prove his claim, he severed his head, but the god Shiva, angered by his lack of humility, decided to replace his head with that of a pig. Since this incident, the king forbade anyone from looking into his eyes on pain of death. One day, Gajah Mada, a military leader, arrived at the court and, pretending to be tired and hungry, asked to eat the king's fern leaves and rice. The king agreed, but Gajah Mada cleverly tilted his head back to grab the largest leaf, thereby making eye contact with the king, violating the king's prohibition. However, an old rule prohibited the king from disturbing someone while they were eating. Unable to kill Gajah Mada, Béda Ulu became so enraged that he burned himself up in anger.
By the end of the 15th century, fleeing from Java to escape Islamization, the Majapahit kingdom settled in Bali. The kingdom of Bali was then divided into several principalities, with the royalty retaining their titles. The religion practiced today is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu practices, along with various beliefs about nature and ancestors.
In addition to mythology, Balinese people believe that everything is interconnected. There are always two opposing forces, one positive and one negative. Negativity can never disappear as it is part of life, but it can be mitigated. Humans must act to favor the positive force. Everyone can behave respectfully, whether it's a farmer cultivating rice and making offerings or a believer practicing meditation. Balance must be prioritized over personal pleasure. Negativity exists within humans in the form of anger, passion, or illness.
They believe in the existence of an afterlife, including both hell and a kingdom of heaven. The concept of karma holds great importance for them. According to their behavior, they believe they will return to earth for a better or worse life. This belief has several aspects: reincarnation for those who have attained supreme serenity, liberation leading to paradise, and nirvana, which is exemption from returning to earth.
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