Praying Balinese style is on the one hand so simple, on the other hand rather complicated – I’ll try and explain in a question-answer manner.
Can anyone pray?
Yes, as long as you wear the appropriate temple dress and you are not in menstruation or have just given birth, you are welcome to pray in the Hindu temples throughout Bali.
Do I have to know any special prayers?
Not really. You are free to pray in any language and for whatever you want (with good intention of course). Balinese are taught how to pray by their parents and at school they learn to memorise Tri Sandya, a long prayer consisting of six parts. Most people however, don’t recite this when they pray except at certain large ceremonies and in certain regions.
How do I go through the actions like the other worshippers?
It varies a great deal depending on the ceremony on the local tradition, however most people pray with incense and flowers. The incense is burnt to call the Gods to listen to the prayers and the flowers symbolize manifestations of one almighty creator. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, you start by cleansing yourself with holy water or wafts or incense smoke. Then, you pray with empty clasped hands, placed above the forehead. This takes several seconds and then a prayer is made using each coloured flower wedged between the fingertips; normally white first, then a mix of three different coloured flowers, and finally a flower of any colour. Last of all, pray with empty hands again. The praying over, wait for holy watered to be sprinkled over you and then sip it three times in cupped hands and finally flick some over your head and face. The last stage is receiving rice kernels from the priest. They are placed on your forehead and at the top of your chest to show, amongst other things, that you have prayed.
Sounds tricky? Don’t worry, as Balinese are very accepting and people are bound to help you are and guide you through the motions.
