Om Swastyastu. Om Awighnam Astu Namo Sidham.
As believers of Hinduism, the sacred heritage of our ancestors, we are guided in life, thought, words, and conduct by its ethical codes. It is therefore essential to understand and practice the fundamental concepts of Hinduism so that we remain steadfast in our faith and are not easily influenced by external teachings or misleading sects.
The noble values of Hinduism, deeply rooted in Balinese culture, are embodied in traditions and customs. These values must be known, mastered, and practiced in daily life.
The foundation of Hinduism rests on three principles: Tattwa (Philosophy), Susila (Ethics), and Acara or Bhakti (Ritual Practice). These principles are inseparable, forming a unified whole.
- Tattwa (Philosophy)
Hindu philosophy emphasizes the pursuit of ultimate truth, attainable through three means of knowledge (Tri Pramana): Pratyaksa Pramana (direct observation), Anumana Pramana (inference), and Agama Pramana (study of scripture and guidance from trusted teachers). From these arise faith (Sradha), expressed in five essences known as Panca Sradha:
- Belief in God (Sang Hyang Widhi),
- Belief in Atman,
- Belief in Karma Phala,
- Belief in Punarbhawa (rebirth), and
- Belief in Moksha.
These guide Hindus toward both worldly well-being (Jagadhita) and liberation (Moksha).
2. Susila (Ethics)
The word Susila comes from “Su” (good, harmonious) and “Sila” (conduct). Thus, it refers to virtuous behaviour in Hinduism. Hindu ethics emphasize harmonious relationships with others and the universe, grounded in sincerity, sacrifice (Yadnya), and compassion. The principal Tat Twam Asi (“He is you”) teaches that harming others is harming oneself, while helping others is helping oneself. Ethics are reinforced by Tri Kaya Parisudha—thinking good (manacika), speaking good (wacika), and doing good (kayika).
3. Acara or Upakara (Ritual Practice)
Yadnya is the sincere practice of worship, sacrifice, and service according to Dharma and the Vedas. Its essence lies not only in ceremonies but in embodying purity, devotion, and service in everyday life. All rituals are adjusted to desa, kala, patra (place, time, circumstance).
In addition, Hinduism emphasizes other values such as Satyam (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Seva (Service), Santih (Peace), Ahimsa (Non-violence), and Prema (Love). These values uphold the universal mission of Hinduism: to guide humanity toward worldly well-being and spiritual liberation. When life ethics, morality, creating world welfare (Jagadhita), liberating the soul from the world (Duniawi) and achieving the eternal peace (Moksa). May this Pelita Dharma become a lamp to illuminate the self, so the darkness will become light.
@M.Mahmud_Alhushori (Penerjemah)
