Releasing The Soul: A Balinese Transformation Ritual

By Theodore A Henning II

The Hindus of Bali believe that cremation releases the soul so that it can continue it's journey through to reincarnation. It is not death that is primary but the destruction of the host, and successive incarnations of that soul. This is a brief account of the ngaben ceremony held in Ubud, Bali in 1992. The photographs were taken by the author and complement the account. The author addresses such questions as "Why the soul cannot simply wander off?" or "Why does the 'soul' seem tethered to the earth?" "Why must we 'transcend'?"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Theodore A Henning II
• Release date: May 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301809318

Theodore A Henning II

My heart goes out to people with maladies of the spirit and mind. Their pain goes unnoticed in our world of iPhones, Apps and pads. I have been humbled, having lived with the poorest of the poor. And I have never met a rich man who didn't need Jesus. Such moves me. Everyone needs to express themselves, if for nothing more than to banter to the void. We get to, you know, 'cause we're barely above the animals. Some are better at it than others. I don't try to be profound in my writing. Simplicity holds a key. So, rather than plunder the depths of wisdom and insight, I write of that which inspires me. May there always be greatness in the person next to me.

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RELEASING THE SOUL A Balinese Transformation Ritual

Theodore A Henning II

Smashwords Edition 2013

Releasing The Soul: A Balinese Transformation Ritual

Theodore A Henning II

Photos By Author

Theodore A Henning II Music

Releasing The Soul: A Balinese Transformation Ritual

The light of the moon is the reflection of the light of the sun. The light of your body, consciousness of your body, is immortal, eternal consciousness in you. Consciousness first, then you. You represent the specification of the consciousness in time and place. Through the specifications of your personal life you are to abstract the immortal. To experience your eternity through the vessitudes of your mortality, that’s the total goal. Joseph Campbell [1]

Only hours before, the park-like lampangan on the edge of Ubud had been the setting of a Balinese cremation. Now, as the glowing embers lay amongst the smoldering ashen residue, mourners and onlookers alike dissipated from the scene as quickly as had the flames. Family members purposed to keep vigil over the elements of the departed, to ensure they remained undisturbed until remaining bone fragments could be retrieved when the ashes finally cooled. Once retrieved, the priests could finalize the rites of the Balinese ngaben.

Bali had been our destination all along. After a protracted stay in Irian Jaya we had come to Bali for a reprieve, for refreshing. My wife and I desired a moment of peace to reflect upon the jasmani (physical) and rohani (spiritual) aspects of our being. We had been living with a group of tribal hunters and gatherers, learning their unwritten language