They say that a language is a window on a culture, and learning that there is no specific word for ‘late’ in Balinese really says something. Any reference to tardiness has to be replaced with vague indicators, like ‘sube peteng’ (it’s dark or night), ‘sube sanja’ (it’s afternoon already) or ‘sube tengai’ (it’s noon already). The Balinese, however, do have a word for someone who either turns up really late for everthing or doesn’t turn up at all: ‘gabeng’, meaning someone who can’t communicate with other people.
Being so laxed about time means that disappointment is rarely expressed. There’s always another day, another opportunity; and, of course in the Hindu world-view, another lifetime. If you adopt this way of thinking, you can enjoy the ‘now’ of life so much more…
Bali’s notorious rubber time is championed by the pearl of ‘time-stoppers’: Nyepi. On this yearly day of silence, the island, normally a buzz of activity and excitement, literally shuts down. Nothing is open, no one is allowed out on the streets, it is forbidden to turn on lights, and people are not to make any audible noise. For those of you who seek relief from the time-pressured society most of us live in, make sure you’re in Bali for Nyepi (this year on March 7). If you do spend Nyepi here, don’t wear a watch and get into a good book or catch up on some sleep. It’s also a great time for reflection, as we give not only our minds a rest, but take a whole heap of pressure off the island’s resources and environment. The concept of Nyepi has impressed other countries so much that there has been some talk amongst world leaders to use Nyepi as an blueprint for an ‘Earth Day’ where we all give our dear planet a much needed rest!
