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Barong and Rangda - The Mystique of Bali (a short writing version)



Barong Keket
Courtesy of Walter Spies, reissued with the permission of Walter Spies Foundation, Holland


Barong is a symbol of Bali island protector. Balinese Hindu people really believe in this sacred ritual where people also get trance. Therefore, the sacred ritual form of Barong is merely performed in a temple as an important part of the praying to the Gods, not for tourist. Even though, many profane style of Barong performed as a tourist object nowadays.

Barong and Rangda are representing Rwa Bhineda (opposite binary) in Balinese Hindu Concept. Barong symbolizes Dharma, goodness, positive side. And Rangda manifests Adharma, Evilness, negativity.


Barong (courtesy of Google Image)

Rangda (courtesy of Google Image)













Barong takes a combination form of lion, tiger, and/or buffalo.
A lot of forms of Barong created by the people, but the most known and popular one is Barong Ket or Keket.

Many references mentioning about the history and story of Barong and Rangda, where all of them have the same knowledge of Rwa Bhineda, the opposite binary.

Based on the Lontar (holy book) Barong Swari, that time the world was endangered - plants were dying, animals were suffering, too much violence, evilness, and murder among mankinds. The world was lacking of humanity. Then, the three main Gods went down to the earth. God Brahma took a form as Topeng (mask) Bang, God Wisnu took a form as Topeng Telek, and God Iswara/Siwa took a form as Barong.

The good is a part of the whole, as well as the evil is a part of the whole.




Barong and Rangda in the ritual 'ngelawang' (courtesy of Google Image)


"In Bali, the position of mankind is one between good and evil, or more appropriately stated, in a state of coexistence with them. Mankind's job is not to destroy evil. Nothing in the teachings of Balinese Hinduism requires or even mentions this. Evil is a part of the whole, and good  is a part of the whole. Neither can exist without the other. Instead, the life of any Balinese is devoted to maintaining a balance between these opposing forces." (Fred B. Eiseman, Jr.)

In the story, the Barong followers are trying to stab Rangda with keris. However, Rangda with her power change the keris direction to their own body. You will see they're stabbing themselves with rage.

The power of Barong protects their body amazingly. That's why they don't get hurt, even a bit.



'Ngurek', a part of the 'ngelawang' sacred ritual where the followers of Barong stab themselves (courtesy of Google Image)

The fight between Barong and Rangda is won by no one. No winner and loser in the fight. Since these opposite binary power will be always there, completing one another. One can't live without the other.

The state of being good and being bad is limited with a really thin shade, where they two can't be separated. With the balance between those Barong and Rangda power, Balinese Hindu people believe in the super power that can be built to protect themselves, to protect their surroundings, to protect the island.


'Ngurek', a part of the 'ngelawang' sacred ritual where the followers of Barong stab themselves (courtesy of Google Image)


More Links for footage: http://bali1928.net/ ; http://arbiterrecords.org/





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Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 27, 2019 5:30 pm

    Apakah kamu sudah tau prediksi togel mbah jambrong yang jitu? bila belum baca Prediksi jitu mbah jambrong Sgp

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 13, 2020 12:08 pm

    Apakah kamu sudah tau prediksi togel mbah jambrong yang terbaru? bila belum baca Prediksi Togel Mekong

    ReplyDelete

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