The name Bali evokes mystical
images which has lured travelers for centuries. Warm and hospitable
islanders
with quick, shy smiles, the Balinese remains unfazed by continued
waves of intruders. Bali status as living cultural museum is as
much lures visitors as are its exquisite arts, stunning landscape,
beautiful beaches and literally thousands of temples. Balinese culture has survived intact, despite
colonial domination, war time occupation and unrelenting tourism.
The temples and the unique Hindu Dharma religion have endured
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the wave of Islam; not to
mention divergent cultures and practices brought by foreign tourists.
The Balinese accept and ignore it all with a smile, continuing
their spirit-filled life, undaunted.
The Balinese social cohesion traditionally centers
on agriculture. Rice cultivation defines the collection of communities
that make up Bali. The social structure is cooperative, in everything
from preparation for elaborate festivals, to political, economic
and social decisions, even solving problems for individual members.
The banjar, an aggregate of family units, extended family members
and neighbours, executes most life activities. The critical important
communal rice collectives, subak, coordinate shared irrigation
water and farming tasks, while banjar organizes everything else.
Rice, water and religion are the foundations of Balinese life.
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