Balinese Hinduism co existing peacefully with westerners

Yesterday was Melasti, the Balinese day of cleansing temple objects in the rivers or ocean. Thousands of Balinese people were on Kuta beach attending the ceremonies. Of course there were also westerners on holiday, trying to enjoy themselves, some completely unaware what was going on.

BBC carried a photo from Kuta Beach and it is a good metaphor for the Balinese mentality about tourism. Balinese Hindu culture exists side by side with tourism and does not see it as a threat, as some radical elements of other religions do.

If you are in an area where a Balinese upacara (ceremony) is taking place, please do not interfere, watch, learn, enjoy, but do not distract the participants. You may continue to sit under the trees, or on the beach, but if a priest is leading prayers and the party is facing the ocean, don’t go strolling in front of them. When you get comfortable under a tree and and relax you might find the ceremonies relaxing and start to get a clue about the pace of life and mentality of Balinese people.