Balinese Hinduism
Balinese Hinduism is a combination of indigenous beliefs and Indian Buddhism and Shivaism. The name Agama Hindu Dharma is the product of a recent rationalization of religion, which was formerly called Agama Tirta, or religion of water, or Agama SiwaBuda, a blending of Shivaism and Buddhism originating from classical Java. Indian philosophy provides the theological framework while indigenous beliefs are at the core of the ritual.
Indigenous beliefs are mostly visible in the cult of natural elements and of the ancestors. Nature is viewed as “power” itself, and each of its elements is thought to be subjected to a spirit, or spirits. which must be provided with a shrine and fed with various offerings (sajen) made of local agricultural products. Another animistic aspect is underlined by the role played by the mountain as the abode of gods and ancestors. When a Balinese dies, the ritual of death is meant to send him/her “go back home”, to “the old country” above the mountain. As the origin of water and location of the volcanoes, from which issues the wrath of the gods, the mountain occupies the pole of purity, Kaja, the pole of impurity being that of the sea, Kelod. This kaja-kelod axis determines the spatial organization of rituals and architectures as well as gestures of daily life: for example one sleeps with the head in the direction of the mountain. The ancestors and gods keep in regular contact with the living. Much of the Balinese rituals consist of calling down the gods and ancestors for visits from their heavenly abode. They come down during temple festivals, where they are welcome by dances and fed with offerings, but they can also be called down through the entreaties of a medium priest consulting the gods and ancestors. These indigenous beliefs have been reinterpreted in the light of Hinduism and inserted within its framework. Mount Agung is thus said to be a cut off from the Indian Mahameru, which was transferred to Bali with all its gods, and the ancestors cult is combined with the Hindu theory of incarnation. Such blending of beliefs is legitimate in Bali. “The Truth is one. the Interpretations multiple “, goes the saying.
Hinduism is an open religion which integrates pre-Hindu elements within its framework instead of casting them away as “pagan”. This relativism applies to sociological aspects of religion as well: for all practical purposes, religion in Bali is expected to vary according to three principles: desa, place, kala, time, and patra, circumstances.