Application of Tri Hita Karana for the Harmonization of Balinese Life

Balitraveldiary.com – Balinese people adhere to the Tri Hita Karana which regulates three aspects of the harmony of human relations in their lives and are interrelated. The aspect in question is the relationship between human beings, the relationship with the natural surroundings, and the relationship with God.

The concept of Tri Hita Karana contains the principle that humans must respect all aspects of life around them. Its implementation must be balanced and in harmony with one another. This concept is believed to be able to preserve the culture and environment of Balinese people even though they are in the dynamics of social change that is happening now.

Understanding Tri Hita Karana Philosophy

When examined in terms of language, Tri Hita Karana comes from the words “Tri”, “Hita”, and “Karana”. Each word means Three, Prosperity or Happiness, and Cause or Cause. So broadly speaking, it can be explained that there are three elements that cause humans to achieve happiness and prosperity.

The three elements that cause happiness are the concept of Tri Hita Karana which regulates the harmony of Balinese life. These elements are the human relationship with God (parahyangan), the human relationship with the natural surroundings (palemahan), and the human relationship with each other (pawongan).

Application of the Tri Hita Karana Concept
Tri Hita Karana is the most essential philosophy of life in Balinese life. It is dynamic in nature and can adapt to the development of civilization, but changes in every aspect must complement each other and take place in harmony.

Balinese people believe that this concept is a way to achieve peace and happiness in life. The basic values ​​of Tri Hita Karana must always be implemented in all aspects of Balinese behavior and life. How is the implementation of the Tri Hita Karana concept in the life of the Balinese Hindu community?

1. Parahyangan (Human Relationship with God)

Parahyangan is a harmonious relationship between humans and God. The relationship that occurs is a form of gratitude to God based on the awareness that everything we have is a gift from Him. Parahyangan is a belief that humans must give dharma filial piety to God the Creator.

Humans believe that they were created by God, therefore humans must be grateful, and always be devoted to Him. The form of implementing the Parahyangan concept in Balinese society is realized by carrying out religious teachings, holding religious ceremonies, and building places of prayer.

2. Palemahan (Human Relations with the Environment/Nature)

Palemahan explains about the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment/nature. Balinese Hindus believe in a reciprocal relationship between humans and the universe. When humans provide good service to the universe, the universe will also provide the best service

If nature is damaged, human life will certainly be disturbed, therefore as part of nature and very dependent on the environment, humans must play an active role in maintaining the sustainability and balance of the ecosystem in their environment.

In the life of the Balinese Hindu community, the real form to achieve balance with nature and the environment is to understand the meaning of religious days. Every religious ceremony is held as a form of gratitude to nature and its true meaning will be implemented in the daily life of Balinese people

On the day of Tumpek Kandang, the community worships God by holding a salvation ceremony for livestock and pets. This is considered as a form of human affection for the natural environment. While Tumpek Uduh is a request ceremony so that all plants grow healthy and give abundant results.

All these religious celebrations give the meaning that humans are very dependent on the natural surroundings. Therefore, the Balinese are expected not only to provide offerings, but must be followed by concrete steps that have a positive impact on the environment.

3. Pawongan (Human Relations with Others)

Pawongan is a harmonious human relationship with each other. As social beings, humans cannot live alone. During life, humans also need help and cooperation from others. Therefore one must establish a good relationship and be in harmony with others.

Pawongan means that human relationships must be based on the principles of compassion, honing, nurturing. Human beings must respect, love, and guide each other. Relations between family members must be harmonious, as well as between elements of society.

In order to realize harmonious conditions in human relations, people must avoid discriminatory attitudes. As fellow creatures of God’s creation, humans should not discriminate and must learn to accept and appreciate differences.

Thus a brief explanation of Tri Hita Kirana and its implementation in daily life for the Balinese people. In essence, this teaching emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans and three aspects, namely God, nature, and each other.

Source : balitraveldiary.com