Yesterday, we visited three temples in Bali: Goa Gajah Temple, Gunung Kawi Temple, Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Water Spring)
The constant in these temples is that they are located near streams or water springs. Two are in the valley. To reach them, we went down the stairs and pathways. Some sculptures were carved in the rock. There were also a few small caves. Probably, they had been dug to serve as places for prayer and meditation.
Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Water Spring) is located in the plain, next to a small spring. The water is piped into two fountains. People bathe in them to purify themselves, for this water is considered to be holy.
We too dipped our feet into the water. Although a bit cold, it gave a pleasant sensation to the whole body.
Water has always been a symbol of purification in all cultures. Jesus was also immersed into the water of the River Jordan.
In my opinion, the true purification comes from the Holy Spirit. It requires a heart that is simple, sincere, spontaneous and open to faith!
Ettore Grillo, author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily (English version)
– A Hidden Sicilian History (English version)
– The Vibrations of Words (English version)
– Travels of the Mind (English version)
– Una Storia Siciliana Nascosta (versione in lingua italiana)
– Viaggi della Mente (versione in lingua italiana)
During our stay in Kemenuh Village, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali, two local communities were celebrating the funerals for two dead people. I asked some of those who were attending the funerals to tell me something about their funeral rites. They replied:
“When someone dies the dead body is washed with special water, dressed, covered with a shroud, and then carried to the cemetery. All the people in the village join the funeral procession, bringing offerings. The men play a kind of music called “Gambelan/angklung”.
At the cemetery, the body is purified again with holy water, and then buried.
According to our culture and religion, the body ought to be cremated. But, since the cremation ceremony is very expensive, these days it is celebrated once every four years, usually between July and September, according to the Balinese lunar calendar.
The bodies of those who have died during the previous four years are dug up, gathered and then burned all together. Their ashes are collected and thrown into the sea.”
We are dust and to dust we will return!
Ettore Grillo, author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily (English version)
– A Hidden Sicilian History (English version)
– The Vibrations of Words (English version)
– Travels of the Mind (English version)
– Una Storia Siciliana Nascosta (versione in lingua italiana)
– Viaggi della Mente (versione in lingua italiana)
Ettore Grillo's Blog 