Dharma santi gathering after nyepi

Denpasar: Hundreds of people, including dozens of Balinese Hindu high priests, attended on Sunday Dharma Santi, an informal gathering held after the celebration of the Day of Silence, or Nyepi, which fell on March 23.

Besides Balinese Hindu devotees, the gathering was also attended by prominent figures from other faiths in Bali.

“Basically, all human beings are equal. So we must be tolerant and not hurt each other. Because when we hurt someone, it means that we hurt ourselves too,” High Priest Ida Pedanda Sebali Tianyar Arimbawa said at the gathering.

During Nyepi, he said, Hindus are expected to contemplate, thus they are expected to renew their spirit.

They must also perform four abstentions (Catur Brata Penyepian), namely Amati Geni (refraining from setting fires or turning on lights), Amati Karya (refraining from working), Amati Lelungan (refraining from traveling outside the home), and Amati Lelanguan (refraining from enjoying any form of entertainment).

“Dharma Santi has the meaning of glory. Menyama Braya (fraternity), the spirit must continuously be embodied in our daily life, so that we could always have peace,” Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika added.