BALINESE HINDUISM
Primarily, the Indonesian Hinduism is associated with the region of Bali. Today, 93% of the population of Bali is Hindu, while the major religion of Indonesia remains Muslim. The Hindu influence of Bali came from the Reign of King Airlangga (1019-1042), who became king of East Java, a Hindu region at the time, at age 16. Shortly after his birth, Airlangga’s mother moved to Bali and remarried, creating an automatic link between Java and Bali. After the collapse of the largest Hindu kingdom, the Majapahit Kingdom, intelligentsia, priests, artists, dancers, musicians, and actors moved to Bali, enhancing cultural activities and promoting the Hindu religion.
One of the ways Hinduism is promoted in Bali was by Vedas, the sacred texts. But only 2 Vedas got to Bali and became the basis of Balinese Hinduism. Some other sources for religious information came from Puranas & Itihasas (Ramayana & Mahabharata). The Hinduism in India is quite different from the Balinese Hinduism, because the religion went through a few changes while it was in Java because of mixed religions that were adapted by previous Javanese empires like the Singhasari and Majapahit. Henceforth, Balinese Hinduism has unique cultural traditions, especially concerning the arts and their rituals. One of the key Balinese Hindu beliefs is in the order in cosmos (Dharma) and disordering force (Adharma). Their goal is to find balance and harmony within both of these forces, and to free themselves from endless reincarnations to reach Heaven. These beliefs did affect the characteristics of the Balinese people, especially during the time of colonization. The Balinese Hindus were fierce and territorial, therefore, creating a custom called ‘Puputan’ (meaning ‘fight to death’). During the Dutch colonization, Balinese men, women, and children battled using ceremonial daggers against the Dutch forces. And although thousands died during battle, the fighters had served their purpose in driving the Dutch out. The Dutch withdrew from Bali, allowing Bali to self-govern the island for the remaining years of the Dutch East Indies rule in Indonesia. FUN FACT |