Is it true Balinese Hindus worship idols?

Why do  Balinese people worship the statue, stone, and trees?
Why there is always an offering in front of the house of Bali?





The questions are very often asked when I first wandered in the capital Jakarta. Initially, I was confused to how to answer. However, all became much brighter after a lengthy discussion and get a rational explanation of the mother. Thank you Mom!

Bali is an island full of expression. As far as the eye could see, nothing seems to escape from the fad of the Balinese. Do not believe? Just look at the walls of the house, roof, gate, also stepped up to the sidewalk, everything is full of variety and smelling ornaments Bali. Yes that's the expression "less work" typical Balinese. Everything contrived "arty".

The habit of 'arty' it get carried away to the religious life. The majority of the religious beliefs of the Balinese are Hindu. As with other religions, they believe that God is Perfect. Their love of God, make them always want to be close to God. It was then attempt revealed and expressed by creating symbols personification of God. Actual process of clicking a "person" the God himself.
The process to the Lord that then generates a depiction forms magnitudes with various manifestations of God. Starting from the magnificent stone buildings, beautiful goddess, god gallant, until a combination of various kinds of animal statues like lion winged eagle. This is what ultimately makes the people of Bali are often seen worshiping a stone or sculpture. Are really just symbols that make them feel closer and more focused feel to worship God because of its form as if there near them.

If conceivable in a simpler form, it is the same as when we are dating long distance. Our inability to reach, making us take off a sense of longing to see his picture, his face painted, or hugging a doll gift. Does this mean we love her picture? Or love his paintings? Or adore the doll? Of course not. Photos, paintings, or even a doll, it is only an intermediary, the symbols that make us feel closer to him.
Then why Bali people adore  looks like a tree and give offerings?

Bali embracing the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the three terms are believed to be the cause of happiness. Three things, among others, Parahyangan is harmonious relationship with God, Pawongan is harmonious relationship with fellow human beings, and Palemahan is harmonious relationship with the environment. The concept Parahyangan then applied to pray and worship God. Pawongan concept applied to foster tolerance and mutual help fellow human beings. While the Palemahan concept is applied  them to make offerings and ceremonies clicking i animals and plants.



Palemahan concept is often made outside the misinterpretation of Bali Balinese people's habits.

Most of the offerings were given the Balinese, it is intended for the bhuta kala or better known nationally as the demons and spirits. However, the habit of people making offerings every day does not mean that the Balinese worship the devil. The concept of the Balinese offerings is a symbol of welcoming and tolerance of beings outside man, who is fondly called bhuta kala in Bali. The offering that is a manifestation appreciate their existence, that we can all co-exist. It departs from the realization that we have to lower our human ego. Human beings are not the center of the universe must be everything and consider myself to have a higher status than all other creatures.

The concept is simple, right? We appreciate their existence, then they too will appreciate our existence. So that the harmony will come by itself.
So, do you still consider Bali Hindu idols?

Editor : Dewa Made Cakrabuana Aristokra

Source from KulKul Bali