Not just for outsider but also for Balinese themselves. In fact the question on whether the culture of Bali can be separated from Hindu Dharma religion, is there for quite long time. The majority of the people of Bali embrace Hindu Dharma religion. Ancient belief on nature spirits such as spirit of waters, mountains, trees etc. may be originated in prehistoric period of Balinese people ancestors. Like in many other places in Asia, in Bali this kind of ancient belief is exist and practiced with full vitality until today. The coming of Hinduism and Buddhism from India whether directly or through Java and other areas of the region in the first and second millennium of our time, is like casting a metal in preserving the form of these local beliefs and practices. With this kind of custom and religious background, people of Bali supported by the island natural resources and other foreign influences they absorbed along their history, had created a resultant of strong and vibrant culture that has a capability to sustain as well as develop itself from the ancient time to modern era. |
