Waisak Day May 7, 2020
Waisak (also known globally as Vesak Day) is a national holiday observed in both Bali and throughout Indonesia to honour and celebrate Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the holiest day in the Buddhist lunar calendar. In 1999, the UN recognized Vesak Day internationally to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over 2500 years. Buddhism is one of the 6 officially recognized religions in Indonesia and the second oldest major or world religion in Indonesia after Hinduism. Indian merchants arriving in Bali around 200 BCE likely introduced Buddhism and Hinduism to the island, and Buddhism actually predates Hinduism here. Given this history, do not be surprised to find that elements of Buddhism and Balinese Hinduism find themselves “borrowed” by and integrated into each other’s ceremonies and practices. Siddhartha Gautama, also commonly known as Buddha (enlightened one), lived in present-day India and Nepal between the sixth and fourth century BCE. His teachings focused on compassion, peace and goodwill. Waisak/ Vesak Day celebrates the Buddha’s birth, the day he attained enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Paranirvana). Temples are adorned with decorations and flowers on Waisak. Community groups organize acts of charity, such as releasing caged animals or donating food and gifts to the poor. In addition to paying homage to the Buddha during the celebrations, Balinese devout followers are also expected to bring happiness to the people around them. Buddhist temples or “Vihara” worth visiting on Waisak include the Vihara Dharmayana in Kuta, which dates as far back as 1876 and was once visited by Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama. Near Seminyak, the Vihara Buddha Dharma is the easiest to reach and welcoming to all. The Vihara Buddha Guna near Nusa Dua is located in a worship complex known as Puja Mandala, dedicated to five different religions, reflecting the essence of religious tolerance in Bali. Visiting these vihara, you may notice that some of them are heavily influenced by Chinese versions of Buddhism, and some are indeed patronized by members of Indonesia’s Chinese community, another example of tolerance and integration.
Tumpek Kandang – The Celebration of Animals May 9th, 2020
With a strong farming tradition, the Balinese hold in high regard all that helps them with agricultural life including livestock such as pigs, chickens and cows. In Bali, Tumpek Kandang is a day to honour these animals. To show gratitude on this day, the Balinese present offerings to Sang Hyang Rare Angon, the God of cattle and livestock, in hopes of preventing disease and for the eternal safety and health of the animals. The Balinese view these celebrations as a way to appreciate work performed by these animals as well as the provision of food. Tumpek Kandang is derived from the word “kandang” meaning cage or animal pen. The Balinese celebrate Tumpek Kandang every 210 days, on the Saturday of the 22nd week of the Pawukon calendar.
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| BALIPLUS May 2020
