Abstract
From the ninth to the fourteenth centuries, the Balinese people adhered to particular religious teachings while also displaying flexibility in how they expressed their religious beliefs. Despite belonging to different sects, Balinese people still performed ancestor worship, a belief that predates the arrival of Hinduism and Buddhism in Bali. The strong presence of ancestor worship in Balinese society still continues today. From the ninth to the eleventh centuries, Balinese people offered dedications to God in all of His manifestations, and to their ancestors (pitra). Such offerings took the form of artistic carvings, architecture, dance, music (gamelan), flowers, foodstuffs, and various prepared dishes. This research focuses on the inscriptions made by the ancient kings of Bali between the ninth and eleventh centuries. The content of the inscriptions was collected, classified, and interpreted in order to answer the following research questions: What kinds of religious ceremonies were performed by the Balinese people in the early pre-modern period between the ninth and eleventh centuries? Additionally, what kinds of material offerings were used in the carrying out of these ritual practices? Our findings show that ritual is a holy endeavor performed wholeheartedly. Expressions of dedication gave rise to offerings of various forms, such as art carvings, architecture, dance, music, and elaborate foodstuffs and flowers. These offerings were dedicated to gods, ancestors, nature, and humans for the purposes of ensuring prosperity and perfection. These offerings were supported by farming, cattle herding, hunting, handicrafts, and trading activities. People used their creativity and skills to make offerings praying for prosperity, a plentiful harvest, and the wellbeing of their families.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Nusantara's Indigenous Knowledge |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
Pages | 31-51 |
Number of pages | 21 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781536177725 |
Publication status | Published - 19 May 2020 |
Keywords
- Balinese ritual system
- Banten
- Bebantenan
- Caru
- Old Balinese inscriptions
- Old Balinese language