Photo of beautiful rice terraces and Bali's villagers-life
The majority of Balinese practice a form of the Hindu religion which they call Agama Hindu Dharma ("Religion of the Hindu doctrine"). Also called Agama Tirtha ("Religion of the Holy Waters"), it represents a unique amalgamation of foreign Hindu and Buddhist elements that were grafted onto a base of preexisting, indigenous religious customs. Since independence in 1945, the Balinese have become more self-conscious of their religion and have strengthened their religious organization. Ibis has resulted in the establishment of the Satya Hindu Dharma in 1956, and the Parisada Hindu Dharma Bali in 1959. The state philosophy, Pancasila, is also having an impact on Balinese Hinduism as well.
Bali offers stunning landscapes and dramatic panoramas that never fail to impress. A range of majestic volcanoes stretch along the northern part of the island and the West Bali National Park that covers most of the western part is pure tropical rainforest. The southern lowlands are covered by hundreds of thousands of ricefields that are served by one of the most elaborate and advanced irrigation systems in the world, which makes it possible to grow two or more rice crops a year.
Barong is a well known mythological dance in Bali and it is narrating the fight between good and evil. Barong represents the good spirit and Rangda the evil spirit. The Barong is a large lion type creature. A battle ensues and the Barong's followers begin to attack Rangda with their daggers. Rangda, being a witch, is able to use magical powers to turn the daggers against their owners, who fall into a trance and try to stab themselves. The Barong, also having magical powers, protects his followers from harm and Rangda retreats into the forest to rest and prepare for the next battle. The trance of the Barong`s followers is often very real and therefore there is always a priest on hand to revive the dancers with holy water.
