Marieke's Art of Living

PROGRAM-ITINERARY: The Spirit of Bali. 6-13 May 2008

DAY ONE ARRIVAL

You will be picked up at Denpasar airport on arrival and transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to Seraya Shores -about 1 ½-2 hours drive from the airport. Seraya Shores is located 20 minutes beyond Candi Dasa in East Bali, the regency of Karangasem, well away from the tourist hubs.

Seraya’s intimate scale ensures a great sense of peacefulness. A late light supper is offered on arrival if flying in today; Dinner if you arrive earlier.

DAYS TWO – EIGHT

Daily Offerings.

Your complimentary Private Session with Albert will be scheduled within the first 2 days. Further private treatments can subsequently be booked.

On any of the days after breakfast, guests are at liberty to arrange a private session with Albert, seek the services of a Balian healer or a masseuse or organize excursions according to their interest.

The following Offerings are available: (additional, affordable cost to be advised). Otherwise, guests may elect to enjoy their privacy and stay at Seraya.

The Bali Aga village of Tenganan, one of the richest land owning communities in Bali and unique for its social institutions that originate with the holy book Usana Bali and for its ordained village layout.

Renowned too for its exceptional basket weaving and gerinsing weaving, (intricate and very fine double ikat weaving considered to be sacred and protective), take time to browse this fascinating village.

Gunarsa Art Museum where Pk Gunarsa has his collection of antiques and modern art. Classical Balinese paintings date from the 15th C – the Gelgel Kingdom of Bali. A thoroughly modern Balinese deeply committed to the survival of Bali's culture, Dr Gunarsa has exhibited worldwide.

Tirtagannga for a swim in the sacred springs.

Mountain fed springs fill these decorative pools with refreshing water reputed to bring long life.

White water rafting trip with Sobek. Telaga Waja River has gorgeous scenery, passing through lovely terraced valleys with waterfalls. This is great fun and accessible rafting for all levels.

Enjoy Lunch overlooking the river before returning to Seryaya. OR Scuba diving north of Candi Dasa.

Visit on of the rare white sand beaches in East Bali, Pasih Putih.

Drive through exquisite unspoiled rice terraces and visit a traditional Ikat- weaving home in Sideman, and to Pelangi to see natural dye and weaving techniques, where wonderful handwoven sarongs can be bought.

Klunkung Markets, one of the liveliest outdoor fresh produce markets in Bali, en route villages that specialise in making temple umbrellas and Balinese prayer flags. Also possible to visit the Palace of Justice and the sight of Bali’s last puputams (self immolation by the Royal court facing Dutch invasion).

Take a scenic trek through the rice paddies, to admire the ancient subak system, an ancient institution, dating from the 11th C that has governed life-giving water distribution to villages, and regulated the amazingly complex irrigation system to farmers.

An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory~Sivananda

Visit Pura Besakih, Bali’s Hindu Mother Temple that sits high on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih. It is the largest of the island's 11,000 or so Hindu temples; its 35 shrines and halls draw devotees from all over Bali in massive numbers each year.

The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.

The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali and is named for Naga Besukian - the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. At the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom and remains the state temple supported by the state today.

Balian Healer
The word Balian is not only the name of this wonderful and sacred river but it is also the name used for a traditional and metaphysical healer. If you have a nagging injury that conventional medicine has not cured or would like a spiritual cleansing then Inengah Sukartha might be the man for you.

A Note about The Balians

The system of traditional medicine in Bali has become institutionalized in the culture and specialization both in technique and expertise exist. The Balian Apun utilize physical manipulation of the body and set broken bones; the Balian Manak are midwives; the Balian Tenung are diviners; the Balian Metuunan are those who are able to be possessed by souls of the dead. These are the specialists. The majority of traditional healers are generalists who treat a variety of conditions and are known as either Balian Usada or Balian Tapakan.

The Balian Usada, often referred to as a literate healer, aquire their skills by formalized study of classical texts on the subject of healing (the "usadas'). They specialize in the use of the ancient palm leaf manuscripts (lontar) to give advice and treatment after eliciting symptoms from the client. The Balian Usada go through a process of apprenticeship to prepare for consecration (mawinten) by the community and the Hindu religion. All Balian Usada are male.

The Balian Tapakan obtain their mystical healing power (sakti or ilmu) by way of supernatural inspiration. They serve as mediators between their client and the mystical forces to which they have been chosen to have the ability to access. They act as spirit mediums to obtain advise concerning sickness, family problems and other matters of importance to their clients. This Balian undergoes no formal training but is eventually recognized by their community as a healer and is eventually consecrated as such after a formal training in priestly duties.

Balians are consecrated practitioners who also perform many priestly functions and are highly esteemed by the Balinese, often referred to by the honorific title "jero". Many practitioners utilize techniques that cross the boundaries of their title. For example, a Balian Tapakan may be able to be possessed by souls of the dead or utilize massage to treat their clients.

Spiritual Power

The Balian is consecrated to be "kesaktian"(to posess sakti or spiritual power). The concept of good and evil does not apply to the concept of sakti, but rather it is a mystical power that can be used for both good and evil in the Balinese cosmology. The Balian once consecrated promises to God to use this power only for good. Balians are often reluctant to describe themselves as Balian, since to do so implies they are sakti. To possess sakti in Bali can produce fear and social distance by the Balinese. Many practicing and consecrated Balians prefer to refer to themselves as "healers" or "Jero Tapakan" and refer to their mystical power as "bayu" (spiritual or physical energy). Once a Balian is recognized as such, they become subject to being "tested" by others who posess this mystical power. Such supernatural "battles" are common among the Balian and many dread this negative aspect of their position.

Altered States of Consciousness

Common to all Balians is the "ilmu tetenger" or the knowledge that comes to them from the mystical or spiritual world. This knowledge can come in a normal state of consciousness or in trance, an altered state of consciousness.

The Balinese (any Balinese) may experience altered states they call "trance" or possession by a spiritual entity as a temporary experience, especially during ceremonies in their temple. "Mass trance" and the viewing of "trance dances" are a normal feature of religious life.

The Balian experiences such altered states on a regular basis, voluntarily and often involuntarily, the difference being the Balian receives knowledge from the mystical world that has application in the real world. The Balian is able to enter "trance" at will and to consistantly provide solutions to the problems of their clients, be they physical illness or social problems.

One who has control over the mind is tranquil in heat and cold, in pleasure and pain, and in honor and dishonor; and is ever steadfast with the Supreme Self. ~Bhagavad Gita

Balian Conceptualization of Health

The Balian views illness as the result of disharmony in the "Tri Hita Karana", the three elements which must be in harmony for a person to exist in a healthy state. The first of these is "Sang Hyang Jagat Karana", the relation of a person to God, the supreme supernatural power. The second is "Bhuana Agung", the macrocosmos, the total physical environment of man. The third being "Bhuana Alit" or the microcosmos, the person themselves with their bodily needs, their thoughts and feelings.

If a disharmony exists between these elements, illness will be the result. The Balian's place is to identify the source of the disharmony and to re-establish harmony in the life of the client.

DINNERS

On alternate nights dinners will be taken away from the property at:

Amplapura Palace to be confirmed, depending on my friend Gipper, married to one of the Princesses of the family being in residence.

Ujang, the holy water palace built by the Royal family of Karanagsem and recently restored with catering by Alila Manggis and a cultural presentation from Pak Kumara,

Tirtagannga, the site of the Holy Springs.

Alila Manggis, a charming beachside hotel well regarded for its cuisine.

LAST DAY

Late afternoon, Guests will have a private transfer to Denpasar airport for onward flights, or to South Bali for those extending their time.

Art of Living can assist you with extensions in Bali in hotels or private villas.

This Tour remains the Copyright of Marieke’s Art of Living

A NOTE ABOUT FLIGHTS: BOOK EARLY!!!

At the time of writing, Jetstar, www.jetstar.com.au
- a no frills subsidiary off-shoot of Qantas has the following flights:
Direct Melbourne/Denpasar in and out Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Flights originating out of Adelaide must join up with Sydney or Melbourne departures.
Jetstar fares start at Jet Saver non-refundable returns of $865 (including taxes),
Sydney/Denpasar flights are in/out Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Sunday.

RECOMMENDED READING:

B.K.S.Iyengar: Light on Yoga; The Concise Light on Yoga; Light on Pranayama; The Art of Yoga; The Tree of Yoga.

Silva, Mira and Shyam Mehta: Yoga, The Iyengar Way, pub. Knopf (with excellent photos)

Geeta S. Iyengar: Yoga: A Gem for Women.

T K V Desikachar: Heart of Yoga, Developing a personal Practice

AG Mohan and Indra Mohan: Yoga Therapy, A Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Yoga and Ayurveda

Peggy Hackney: Making Connections

Swami Vishnu Devanand: Meditation and Mantras

Dr Vasant Lad: Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing

Ray Long: The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy practice compassion. ~ Dalai Lama

Paramahansa Yogananda: Autobiography of a Yogi

Australian Yoga Life magazine

Lucy Egde: Yoga School Dropout

Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat Pray Love

Eric Oey: BALI pub. Periplus. The most informative travel guide around, with wonderful photos and intelligent information.

Adrian Vickers: Bali, A Paradise Created, pub. Periplus. An interesting examination, anthropological in inclination, of a western view of the "last paradise," and that impact on Balinese perceptions.

Hickman Powell: The Last Paradise, pub. Oxford Uni. Press. "an American's discovery of Bali in the 1920's".

Vivki Baum: A Tale from Bali, pub. Oxford Uni. Press. If you read no other book, read this one. An interpretation from a Balinese point of view, rather than pure history, that deals with the tragic end of "old Royal Bali" during the years of puputan 1904-1906.

Adrian Vickers: Travelling to Bali, 400 Years of Journeys, pub. Oxford Uni. Press.

An anthology that records the many visitors to and invasions of Bali.

Colin McPhee: A House in Bali.

The classic account by a musicologist, living in the Ayung Valley near Ubud, and the first to begin not only to record gamelan music but to support fine musicians and dancers.

Heinz von Holzen: The Food of Bali, pub. Periplus. An excellent collection of authentic recipes by a European chef, now married to a Balinese, who researched old records and visited many villages to collect them.

Rio Helm + Barbara Walker: Bali Style, pub. Times Editions. One of the earliest in a growing genre of photographic essays celebrating the wonderful style, superior craftsmanship, and enchanting architecture of Bali.

Dr. AAM Djelantik: The Birthmark. Memoirs of a Balinsese Prince, pub. Periplus. Written by the son of the last Raja of Karangasem, a fascinating account of his young life in the palace, culture shock during his European education and his career as a doctor in remote parts of the world.

Detachment is not indifference. It is the prerequisite for effective involvement. Often what we think is best for others is distorted by our attachments to our opinions. We want others to be happy in the way we think they should be happy.

It is only when we want nothing for ourselves that we are able to see clearly into others needs and understand how to serve them. ~Mahatma Gandhi