REGIONAL NEWS
The worship of Tilem Sasih Kasa, the new moon day in the first month of the Balinese Hindu calendar, served as an opportunity to strengthen the Hindu community's awareness of the importance of environmental conservation as an integral part of practicing Hindu teachings. The message was conveyed by Hindu Religious Counselor Eko Sriwulan from the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office of Tulang Bawang Barat Regency during a religious guidance session at Pura Dharma Putra, Tiyuh Murnijaya, on Tuesday.
The activity, which was held alongside the Tilem prayer ceremony, alongside Hindu devotees from several banjar surrounding the temple. In addition to strengthening sradha (faith) and bhakti (devotion), the session encouraged participants to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature amid the growing challenges posed by environmental degradation.
Carrying the theme, "Harmoni Manusia dan Semesta : Membaca Pesan Konservasi Alam dalam Ajaran Tri Hita Karana“ (Humanity and the Universe in Harmony: Understanding the Message of Environmental Conservation Through the Teachings of Tri Hita Karana), Eko Sriwulan explained that the concept of Tri Hita Karana emphasizes the balance of three essential relationships: harmony with Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (Parhyangan), harmony among fellow human beings (Pawongan), and harmony with the natural environment (Palemahan). These three pillars, he said, form the foundation for creating a harmonious and sustainable way of life.
"Tri Hita Karana is not merely a philosophical concept to be understood intellectually; it must be reflected in concrete actions. Keeping the environment clean, planting trees, using natural resources wisely, and reducing activities that harm nature are all expressions of Dharma that should become part of every Hindu's daily life," Eko Sriwulan said.
He added that Tilem is not only a sacred occasion to deepen one's prayers and devotion but also a time for self-reflection on humanity's responsibility to care for nature as God's creation.
He explained that the environmental challenges facing society today require the active involvement of every member of the community. Therefore, the values embodied in Tri Hita Karana must continue to be practiced in everyday life therefore environmental responsibility becomes a lasting culture rather than merely a slogan.
"Protecting nature means preserving the balance of life. When people live in harmony with God, with one another, and with the environment, the harmony envisioned in Hindu teachings can truly be realized. That is the enduring relevance of Tri Hita Karana in addressing today's challenges," he said.
The guidance session was conducted in a solemn yet interactive atmosphere. Participants followed the presentation with enthusiasm and engaged in discussions on practical steps that families and communities can take to preserve the environment.
Through strengthening this understanding, Hindus were encouraged to make environmental concern as a way of life, beginning within their families and local communities. Consistent everyday actions, no matter how simple, are believed to play a meaningful role in preserving nature while strengthening the harmony of life envisioned in Hindu teachings.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gede Dipayana
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
