It sounds a little bit strange. A festive day of Silence unlike other festival days in the Balinese calendar which have a happy and joyful mood, NYEPI is the opposite. This religious day is eagerly anticipated by all Balinese.
Because to day is the first day of the Balinese calendar which is called “ ICAKA”. This year NYEPI day falls on March 07th 2008. According to the Balinese calendar this year is the year of ICAKA 1930. Although this day is the first days of the ICAKA year, it is silent days, because every Balinese Hindu is doing “Catur Brata ” which mean four things are forbidden.
1st “AMATI GENI” means that no light or fire allowed. Philosophically it means that they should kill the fire within them self, the fire of desire and lust – through fasting, meditation, and through purification. The one is ready to receive the new life. It is only on the silent day that someone is able to have a deep introspection and rebalance the “Dharma” (good) within them.
2nd “AMATI KARYA” which means no physical activities allowed.
3rd “AMATI LELUNGAN” which means no traveling is permitted.
4th “AMATI LELANGUAN” which means no amusement and pleasurable activities are allowed. All this restriction and their significance must be observed and understood.
In accordance with all this restriction, all daily activities consequently are halted for full day. All public places are empty and deserted. One in a while the head of the village and religious people will check to see if the rules are being observed.
The day before Nyepi day is called “Pengerupukan” and has totally different atmosphere in the morning people perform ceremony devoted to the evil spirit, to prevent them from disturbing the life of the people. This ceremony is called “Tawur Agung”.
The day after Nyepi is called “Ngembak Geni” when all tension is released, On this day people have” Sima Krama” when they visit friends or relatives and socialize together.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment