How Balinese Eulogize Knowledge

3 August 2009

The knowledge is significant for life, but it cannot be misused. The Balinese Hindu possess of specific way to eulogize knowledge. Every six month, according to Hindu’s calendar, the Balinese celebrates Saraswati Holy Day, the reveal of knowledge.

Saraswati Holy Day or also called with Piodalan Sang HyangAji Saraswati that be fell on Saturday (Saniscara Umanis Watu Gunung), which this year will fall on 1 August 2009. How lucky for you who are on a vacation in Bali to see the Balinese activities in eulogizing the knowledge as a process to be a judicious figure.

The praying will be centered in schools and also in Jagatnatha Temple, in the center of Denpasar City>. Saraswati means something possessed with flowing character, knowing resource and prudence. The series of the Saraswati ritual will begin on Sunday (26 July 2009) with the succession of samadi (meditation) or praying. On the pitch day of Saraswati, all books, lontar, or other holy documents will be attached with the offerings of banten Saraswati, the proceed with praying to adore Goddass Saraswati, the God’s manifestation as the creator and protector of knowledge. The adoration and all things related with brata saraswati (important things) are carried out in the morning or dawn but not passed daytime. If it does pass the day, we will only adore for worthless letters not the divine power of Sang Hyang Aji

Saraswati.
Before the adoration of Saraswati is executed and before passing daytime, it is not allowed to read or write mantra, aksara suci (holy letters) and any literatures. For those who actualize a full brata saraswati by conducting a meditation, yoga, samadi, are not allowed to read or write for 24 hours. In learning any kind of knowledge should be based with the pure heart, full of homage service to Sang Hyarig All Saraswati including maintaining our own library. After the praying is over, when the sun is set, and into the night, many events will be held by the sekaa pesantian or krama banjar (villagers) such as reading the holy inscriptions, dharma tula (religious discussion), or dharma wacana (religious talkative). - The reading of mabebasan, makidung or mepapawosan is truly interesting, because the person who reads the books is not only able to inspire the meaning inside, but recite a melodious voice as well.

A day after Saraswati holyday is called Banyu Pinaruh, which is on Sunday Paing wuku Sinta (2 August 2009). On that day, Hindus devotees will in crowds take a bath at the beach and also with kumkuman water (a scent flower water) and end with nunas (bid for) yellowish rice, which means that the knowledge will be settled inside our pure soul so it will useful for mankind’s life.