I’d been having a few issues recently, really wanted to make a clean start. Start afresh.
I’d had the lovely experience of a coconut cleansing before and was keen to mark this time in my life with something special. What a great experience for my guests. I love, love the ritual of Bali and take advantage of it whenever I visit.
My friend, Leko picked us up early as a booking had been made to see the Balian first thing before he went to work as a pharmacist!!
We arrived at in beautiful compound with many deities, adorned with flowers and burning incense. Balinese women were quietly going about their morning duties. We were all ushered into a small room, with several altars and statues of deities, many candles, incense and soft lighting.
The Balian sat down and told us a little about himself. Nothing remarkable there. A wise man with a long name and quiet pleasantries were exchanged. He then sat calmly cross legged in front of his altar, quietly praying, saying his mantras, with flowersand then incense.
Very quickly the whole vibe of the room changed. A mumbling, jerking of his body and a weird unhuman monkey-like laugh. The sacred cloth went on his head, and a growly gravelly voice came from him.
I was scared. I looked around and realised everyone was scared. We all huddled in together and grabbed each other for support.Our friend Leko grabbed Kerry’s hand and reassured her.
The Balian went to Leko first and grabbed his head rolling it around, vigorously slapping him on the back, whilst saying these weird mantras. One by one he moved onto all of us, with the same procedure. We all stayed put, and stayed with it, somehow trusting. Big dribbles fell from his lips and landed on our heads. When he finished, he bustled to the front and sat down. He said a prayer and his assistant sprinkled him with holy water.
He quietened down. The reverence of the Balian returned. He didn't speak of what had just happened, but went on to tell us about ourselves, and what ailed us, and what talents we have. He advised us, made us laugh and left the room.
Then Leko lead us in prayer and meditation, honouring the many deities surrounding us in the room. A young coconut was bought for us to drink, to cleanse the inside, it tasted rank.
Then we were ushered outside, encouraged to line up, and coconuts were poured over our heads, followed by a large amount of holy water. We were soaked and our minds were BLOWN!.
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