Discover the meaning of Saraswati and Pagerwesi, two powerful Balinese Hindu ceremonies that honor divine wisdom and spiritual protection. A soulful guide for seekers drawn to Bali’s sacred rhythm.
The Spirit of Bali - A Living Connection to the Unseen
Introduction
by Jack van den Berg
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There are places in the world where time seems to slow down, where the air hums not only with sound but with something softer—something you feel rather than hear. Bali is one of those places. Known for its beauty, the island holds something deeper still: a spiritual pulse that speaks through ceremonies, offerings, temples, and the quiet presence of nature.
However, understanding Bali’s spirituality is not about studying it but experiencing it. I have lived and worked in Bali for over two decades. During that time, I learned how the Balinese do not separate the sacred from everyday reality.
Here, spirituality is not confined to a temple or a holy book — it is lived. It’s in the early-morning flower offerings placed on doorsteps, the rhythmic chants drifting from a village shrine, and the dance of incense smoke between banyan trees. It’s in how people greet each other, aware of the divine spark in every soul.
Sekala & Niskala
At the heart of this way of life is a deep understanding of Sekala and Niskala—the seen and unseen worlds. The Balinese believe that reality exists in two intertwined layers: what we can see (sekala) and what we cannot (niskala). Together, they form a whole. This belief shapes not only rituals and religious practice but also a lifestyle of how people relate to nature, to ancestors, to one another—and themselves.
Tri Hita Karana
Another guiding principle is Tri Hita Karana, often translated as the “three causes of well-being.” These are harmony with the divine, harmony with others, and harmony with nature. It is not a lofty philosophy to be debated; it is a way of being — reflected in how communities are structured, temples are placed, and rice fields are tended.
Experience Healing Energy
This balance between the spiritual and the physical is not a theory. I’ve felt it repeatedly at Gunung Paradis Retreat in North Bali — a place many guests have described as sacred, based on feelings without knowing why. Perhaps it is the view of the mountains layered like dreams or the gentle rhythm of the garden’s breath. But more than that, I believe it is supported by the island itself — a place where the veils between worlds are thin, and the soul begins to remember.The spirit of Bali does not ask you to believe in anything. It only invites you to slow down, listen, and feel—to reconnect with that quiet part inside you that remembers—even if faintly—that life is more than what we see.
Ancient Temples & Rituals
In the blogs to come, we will explore the many ways this spirit expresses itself: in sacred temples carved into mountainsides, in healing rituals passed down through generations, and in the rhythm of ceremonies that mark every phase of life.
We’ll walk softly through Bali's spiritual landscape—not to explain it away but to witness it with reverence. If your heart feels called to continue this journey, I invite you to subscribe to receive notifications when new articles are published. This space is for seekers, wanderers, and those remembering what it means to be whole.
May this be the beginning of an incredible journey!
REFLECTION FOR YOU
Want to Book a Relaxing Holiday or a Retreat?
Want to Book a Relaxing Holiday or a Retreat?
Gunung Paradis is the perfect location for a private- or a group retreat
Gunung Paradis is the perfect location for a private- or a group retreat
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All CategoriesUniversal Spiritual WisdomCeremonies, Rituals & Calendar eventsBali Sekala & NiskalaSacred Sites & TemplesSpirit of BaliSpiritual Healing in BaliSocial & Spiritual structuresResources for Spiritual Practice
Want to Book a Relaxing Holiday or a Retreat?
Want to Book a Relaxing Holiday or a Retreat?
Gunung Paradis is the perfect location for a private- or a group retreat
Gunung Paradis is the perfect location for a private- or a group retreat