Prominent Hindu leaders called on followers to lead honest, decent and peaceful lives after they performed four important rituals as part of Tapa Brata Penyepian during Nyepi, or Hindu Day of Silence, on Tuesday.
The observance was expected to cleanse their bodies and souls so that they emerged as new and better people.
Hindu Priest Pandita Mpu Jaya Prema Ananda warned Balinese people to go back to their “roots” by learning and understanding the meaning of Brata Penyepian.
“Many people viewed Nyepi as an escape from the hustle and bustle of their lives by staying
at home, consuming food and drinks and even by gambling,” the priest said.
Brata Penyepian consists of four prohibitions-amati geni (turning off lights and fires); amati karya (not working); amati lelungaan and amati lelanguan (not going out and not enjoying entertainment).
“The main objective of the ritual is self-control. Controlling ourselves from greed, eliminating anger and lust,” the priest commented.
The priest said that Bali did not need traditional security guards to ensure that people would follow the rules on these prohibitions.
“Control should come from inside their hearts and minds.”
This year’s Nyepi marked the Saka Hindu New Year 1932. Participants view it as the best time to evaluate their lives. By staying away from work, they hope to be able think more clearly.
It is said to be a time to reshape their lives. It is believed Hindu people should avoid deeds that violate Dharma teachings, leave such ideas behind and replace past mistakes by living better lives.
Nyepi is regarded as the starting point for people who wants to improve their lives.
A day prior to Nyepi, Hindu believers created and destroyed ogoh-ogoh giant effigies as symbols of butha kala, evil and darkness, in the hearts and minds of human.
Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik welcomed Nyepi as a step toward creating a stronger nation.
Hindu High Priest Ida Pedanda Made Gunung added that Hindu believers observed Nyepi as a spiritual ascent.
Rituals prior to Nyepi reflected purification. Nyepi rituals were preceded by the Melasti procession to carry sacred ritual items to sources of water, that is the sea, rivers, springs and lakes.
“The procession symbolizes a cleansing process, to ward off negativity and to ask for Blessings,” the priest elaborated.
A day before Nyepi, Hindu people observed the Tawur Agung ritual as a symbol to balance human lives with nature and their Creator.
They believe that “Nyepi Day is a reflection of a pure mind. It is a new beginning.”
A quiet moment: A Balinese resident watches the sunset in Kuta, Bali, during the Hindu Day of Silence on Tuesday. Indonesia’s Hindus celebrate their new year by observing a day of silence, during which they stay indoors and meditate in silence and darkness throughout the day. AP/Firdia Lisnawati
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