In Bali, there is a sacred and deeply meaningful ceremony known as Ngaben. This ritual is not merely a cremation process but a spiritual journey to guide a person’s soul to the next realm.
In Balinese Hindu beliefs, the human body consists of five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—which must be returned to their origins so that the soul can be freed from worldly attachments. This is why Ngaben is considered one of the most important rituals in Balinese life.
Ngaben has a long history. This tradition is rooted in Hindu teachings that have flourished in Bali for centuries.
According to these beliefs, death is not the end but merely a transition. A soul that has left its body must be guided to reach moksha, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.
Therefore, every stage of this ceremony holds profound meaning and must be carried out with utmost reverence.
When someone passes away, the family immediately prepares for the Ngaben ceremony. If possible, the ritual is performed without burying the body first.
However, in some cases, the deceased may be buried before undergoing the Ngaben process, known as Asti Wedana.
In certain situations, such as when a body is not found, the family can still perform the ceremony using a symbolic representation of the departed soul.
The Ngaben procession begins with Nyiramin, a ritual in which the body is bathed as a symbol of purification.
After that, sacred mantras are written on a white cloth and placed over the body. Then, a specially crafted structure in the shape of a bull or a tower, known as a bade, is prepared to transport the body to the cremation site.
Accompanied by the sound of gamelan and prayers, the body is carried in a procession to the cremation ground.
For the Balinese, this moment is not filled with excessive mourning or despair because they believe that death is not an end.
Instead, it is a time to send off the soul with honor and sincerity. As the fire ignites and begins to consume the body, prayers are continuously recited to ensure that the soul departs peacefully.
Once the fire has burned out, the ashes of the deceased are collected and released into the sea or a river in a final ritual called Nganyut.
This symbolizes the return of the body’s elements to the universe while also marking the end of the person’s physical journey.
However, for the family left behind, it is the beginning of their own spiritual journey—to remember, honor, and pray for the departed soul.
Ngaben is more than just a ritual; it is a reflection of Balinese philosophy on life and death. They believe that both are part of an eternal cycle.
Through this ceremony, they do not simply say goodbye to a loved one but celebrate the soul’s journey to a higher realm. (BT)
Image source: bulelengkab.go.id
