Have you ever stopped to think about devotion? It’s an interesting word isn’t it? Not exactly used every day, we talk about how our friend is “devoted” to his mother, or vice versa, but rarely apart from that.
Devoted means having a dedication to something or someone, it means putting that objective above our own needs and desires. It is an act or a state of consecration and deeply felt attachment.
Most of us don’t feel this compulsion to help others, or to dedicate ourselves to a cause higher than ourselves, but here in Bali devotion is universal. Everyday offerings are made and presented at altars, at street corners, under trees. On auspicious days whole villages show their devotion in parades of colour and style, in offerings of great intricacy and meaning, in ceremonies of prayer and dedication.
The Balinese way of life is one of devotion to their deity, bringing balance and reverence into their lives. Isn’t that a good example to follow?
Text By Alistair G. Speirs
