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Reflections
of the Universe
The philosophy which gives order to all
things is a reflection of a divine order, the macrocosmos,
or Bwana Agung, is reflected within the microcosmos, or Bwana
Alit, and one can never be separated from the other. The universe
is split into three levels; the dominion of the Gods, the
dwelling place of mankind, and the underworld of evil spirits
and demons. Just as the human body is divided into head, body
and feet (Bur, Bwah, and Swah), the village is divided into
the holy places and temples, the homes of the villagers, and
the cemetery with its connection to death and the netherworld.
Furthermore, each family compound follows a similar ground
plan of family temple for the deified ancestors, living space,
and back yard.
Spatial directions dictate an even more complicated lore.
North, South, East, West and the centre are the dwelling places
of the Hindu pantheon, Wisnu, Brahma, Iswara, Mahadewa and
Ciwa, each with their different attributes, setting the order
which mankind must follow to maintain harmony above and below.
The location of each building is thus denoted; kitchen to
the south as Brahma is the god of fire, and family shrines
to the northeast honouring both the holy mountains in the
north and Ciwa in the east. One must sleep with the head facing
the north or east. Each building has a similar orientation
and structure, and the layout, construction and proportions
of the buildings follow a complex system of architectural
rules known as the Asta Kosala Kosali, with a system of measurements
based upon the body measurements of the head of the family.
The roof, pillars and foundation are representatives of the
head, body and feet. As such the thatched roof of the house
is wrapped with colourful strips of cloth, the ider-ider,
just as a Balinese man wears a head-cloth or udeng on ceremonial
occasions. Even temples have three similar divisions. The
upper, northern part of the temple, known as the jeroan, houses
the most sacred shrines. In the middle section, or jaba tengah,
are pavilions for the preparation of offerings, a kitchen
and storage places. The outer and lowest courtyard is the
jaba. Here there is often a pavilion for meetings, cock-fights
and general relaxation. Likewise, every village has three
temples. The main Pura Desa, dedicated to Brahma the creator,
is in the middle of the villa, where it was originally erected
by the ancestors. To the north is the Pura Puseh, for the
worship of God in the manifestation of Wisnu, the preserver
of life, and in the south is generally the Pura Dalem, domain
of Ciwa, who completes the cycle of existence by dissolving
all physical things back to nothingness, releasing the spirit
to be reborn.
The
replication of this divine order in all physical aspects relating
to space and orientations leads to the most important thing
- balance, the ultimate goal of Balinese Hinduism. By preserving
a balance positive and negative, the Balinese are able to
minimize destruction and disaster, simultaneously promoting
peace and health, whilst accepting the inevitability of both.
Every belief reflects an understanding and respect of the
universe, an order which dominates the entire island.
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