Admin knows nothing about world’s political issues but surely are well-informed about Bali’s Tradition, Culture and Religion. In this blog post, I will share with you answers from a forever-asked-questions by our lovely Bali Spiritual Healing friends & families. It’s about Bali Hinduism and India’s Hinduism. What’s the difference?
Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism are two distinct forms of the Hindu faith that have developed their own unique characteristics and practices over time. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between these two traditions, examining their histories, beliefs, and rituals.
The Role of Aji Saka in the Development of Balinese Hinduism
Let’s dive in head first, with the history of how Hinduism arrived in Bali and it was dated back to the 14th century where it is believed to have been introduced to the island by Hindu-Buddhist traders from the Majapahit Empire.
Aji Saka is a legendary figure in Indonesian mythology who is said to have introduced the Hindu-Buddhist religion and writing system to the Indonesian archipelago. This legend is significant because it highlights the role that the Hindu-Buddhist religion played in the development of Balinese Hinduism, which is a distinct form of Hinduism that is practiced on the island of Bali in Indonesia.
According to legend, Aji Saka was a prince from the kingdom of Majapahit who fled to Bali after being falsely accused of a crime. While in Bali, he taught the local people about the Hindu-Buddhist religion and introduced the ancient Javanese script, which is known as the Aji Saka script. The arrival of Aji Saka and the introduction of the Hindu-Buddhist religion and writing system had a profound impact on the culture and traditions of Bali, and these influences can still be seen in the practices of Balinese Hinduism today.
One interesting aspect of the Aji Saka legend is the way in which it highlights the syncretism that has long been a characteristic of the Indonesian archipelago. The legend combines elements of both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, and it reflects the way in which these two religions have influenced and interacted with one another in Indonesia. This syncretism is also evident in the practices of Balinese Hinduism, which has been heavily influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Uncovering the Differences Between Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism
Indian Hinduism, on the other hand, is the form of Hinduism that is practiced in India and Nepal. It is the oldest living religion in the world, with roots that can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in the 3rd millennium BCE. Indian Hinduism is based on a complex system of beliefs, rituals, and practices that are centered around the worship of a pantheon of deities and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
One of the key differences between Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism is the way in which they approach the concept of deity. In Balinese Hinduism, there is a strong emphasis on the worship of ancestral spirits and nature deities, such as the mountain gods and sea goddesses. In Indian Hinduism, the pantheon of deities is more complex and includes major deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, as well as a host of lesser gods and goddesses.
Another difference between the two traditions is the way in which they approach rituals and festivals. Balinese Hinduism has a strong tradition of elaborate temple ceremonies and rituals that are focused on the offerings of food, flowers, and other gifts to the gods. Indian Hinduism also has a rich tradition of rituals and festivals, but these tend to be more focused on devotion and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Similarities and Commonalities Between Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism
Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism are two distinct forms of the Hindu faith that have developed their own unique characteristics and practices over time. Despite these differences, there are also a number of similarities and commonalities between the two traditions. Let’s explore the similarities between Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism, examining their histories, beliefs, and rituals.
One of the most significant is the shared belief in the concept of reincarnation, which is the belief that the soul is reborn into a new body after death. Both traditions also place a strong emphasis on the importance of personal devotion and the role of the guru in guiding individuals on their spiritual journey.
Another commonality between the two traditions is the importance of spiritual purity and the pursuit of enlightenment. In both Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism, individuals are encouraged to follow a spiritual path and to strive for personal growth and development. This can be achieved through the practice of yoga and meditation (India Hinduism), as well as through the performance of good deeds and the cultivation of virtues like compassion and kindness (Bali Hinduism).
One final similarity between Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism is the central role that the family plays in the practice of the faith. In both traditions, the family is seen as an important source of support and guidance on the spiritual journey, and individuals are expected to honor and respect their parents and ancestors. The family is also responsible for passing down the traditions and practices of the faith from one generation to the next, ensuring that the teachings and values of Hinduism are preserved and passed on.
There are more differences and similarities we can mention here, but we will make it into another blog post special for that. And also if you’re interested in learning more about the rich history and mythology of Hinduism in Bali, be sure to check out our other blog post on the topic, where we delve deeper into the legends and myths that have shaped the culture and traditions of the island
We hope that this exploration of the differences and similarities between Balinese Hinduism and Indian Hinduism has helped you to gain a deeper understanding of these two traditions. By examining the histories, beliefs, and practices of these two forms of Hinduism, you should now have a clearer sense of the unique characteristics of each tradition and how they compare to one another. We hope that this information has helped to answer any questions you may have had about these two traditions and has given you a greater appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Hinduism as a religion.