JUNG IN BALI, INDONESIA
There do not appear to be any listings for Jungian analysts or
practitioners currently residing and
working in Bali, Indonesia I am sorry to say, although there do seem to be
psychological/healing groups that occasionally include some Jungian based psychologists that
come to Bali from the United States to offer retreats.
However:
There are some fascinating similarities between Jungian thought and
the yin-yang/ Sekala/Niskala philosophy of Bali. Both perspectives explore
the interplay of opposites and the balance required for harmony.
Here are some key points of comparison:
Jung proposed that there are
universal archetypes and a collective unconscious shared by all humans. These archetypes often involve dualities,
such as the Anima/Animus (feminine/masculine aspects within each person), and
the Shadow (the hidden or repressed parts of the psyche). Jung emphasized the
process of individuation, where an individual integrates these opposing
forces within the psyche to achieve wholeness. This, of course, involves acknowledging and reconciling these
internal opposites.
Sekala/Niskala is often
called the philosophy of the Visible and Invisible Realms. Sekala refers to the tangible, visible
world, while Niskala refers to the intangible, spiritual world. The Balinese believe that true understanding
and harmony come from acknowledging and balancing both realms. Just like the yin-yang concept,
Sekala/Niskala emphasizes the balance of opposites.
Rituals and daily practices in Bali aim to maintain harmony
between these visible and invisible worlds, something that is often confusing
to Westerners. For example, the Balinese
on an auspicious day may celebrate, with beautiful flower sculptures and music,
a benign Goddess or God, such as Saraswati, Goddess of language, music, and
learning. A week later, they may have an
elaborate ritual, with imposing and complicated sculptures made of meat,
dedicated to appeasing a particular Demon.
Duality and Balance is the essence of the system, achieving a continual “moving point of balance”, the need to balance opposing forces to achieve harmony and wholeness. Balinese altar clothes, as well as sarongs often worn to Temple, consist of a black and white checkerboard fabric, further illustrating this yin/yang movement. ,
For example, the yearly (masked) Balinese drama of the battle
between Barong and Rangda is a central element of Balinese
culture and spirituality, rich with symbolic meanings that reflect the island's
deep-rooted beliefs in duality and balance.
Barong is a mythical creature that symbolizes good,
protection, and order. Often depicted as a lion-like creature, Barong is
considered a guardian spirit. He represents positive forces and is often seen
as a protector of villages against evil spirits and chaos. Rangda, on the other
hand, is a fearsome witch who symbolizes evil, destruction, and disorder. She
is often portrayed with a terrifying appearance, reflecting her role as a
malevolent force, and she is often said to reside in graveyards.
The drama typically involves a battle between the two, symbolizing
the eternal struggle between good and evil. This conflict is not just a
physical battle but a spiritual and cosmic one.
The battle signifies the Balinese belief in the necessity of balance
between opposing forces. This aligns with the concept of Sekala (the seen,
material world) and Niskala (the unseen, spiritual world). The performance is often part of larger
religious ceremonies aimed at purifying the village and protecting it from evil
spirits. It serves to cleanse the community and restore harmony. The drama can be seen as a ritual enactment
of maintaining cosmic balance and seeking divine intervention in everyday life. Interestingly, at the end of the battle
Barong and Rangda are not killed, but rather leave, to return again at some
other time. Furthermore, in some
traditions, Rangda transforms (like Kali) into the beautiful Goddess Uma, wife
of Shiva, and returns to the divine realms.
Jungian individuation and the Sekala/Niskala
balance both stress the integration of different aspects of
existence (inner/outer, visible/invisible).
Both perspectives encourage a holistic view of life.
They differ in a number of ways, however. Jungian thought is rooted in Western
psychology and philosophy, whereas Sekala/Niskala is deeply embedded in
Balinese Hinduism and cultural practices.
Jungian thought often involves introspection and psychological therapy,
whereas Sekala/Niskala is practiced through rituals, offerings, community activities, and daily life in Bali. But in essence, both Jungian thought and the Sekala/Niskala
philosophy of Bali offer rich frameworks for understanding the complexity of
human experience through the interplay and balance of opposites.
https://biblio.ie/book/bali-sekala-niskala-two-volumes-vol/d/1397225470
Bali: Sekala & Niskala: Essays on Religion,
Ritual, and Art
No comments:
Post a Comment