The Cycle of Karma and Rebirth
In Bali, reincarnation is more than just a belief—it’s a way of understanding life.
In Balinese Hinduism, existence is seen as part of an endless cycle known as Samsara. In this cycle, the soul, or atma, moves through birth, death, and rebirth, taking on different forms until it reaches Moksha or spiritual liberation.
This journey is guided by karma — how you live in one life, determining what comes in the next one. The ultimate goal, though, is to break free from this cycle by attaining Moksha, a state of enlightenment reached through good deeds, spiritual growth, and living a life in harmony with one’s purpose, or dharma.
The Balinese also believe that the soul is often reincarnated within the same family lineage, returning as newborn family members.
Rituals, especially the Ngaben cremation ceremony, play a key role in the reincarnation process.
These ceremonies are believed to help release the soul from the body and guide it to the next stage of its journey. For Balinese families, these rituals are of profound importance. It is believed that, if not done properly, the soul might struggle to move forward in its spiritual journey.
Preparations for Ngaben
A lot of time goes into the preparation and organization of a Balinese cremation ceremony. If the family cannot afford the cremation immediately, the body may be temporarily buried until the proper arrangements can be made.
One of the first steps is constructing a bade, a tall, multi-tiered tower in which the deceased will be carried. The bade is often decorated with vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and symbolic images that represent the deceased’s caste and social status. The tower is typically topped with images of animals like lions, bulls, or the mythical garuda, symbolizing the soul’s journey to the divine.
The second step involves preparing the offerings, or banten. These offerings will typically comprise food, flowers, and other symbolic items that represent the elements of nature—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—each of which the soul must return to as it departs.
In Bali, Ngamen preparations are not left to just close family — villagers, extended family members, and even neighboring communities come together to contribute their time, skills, and resources.
The Procession
The day of Ngaben begins with a procession to the cremation grounds. This procession is a lively and colorful affair, and the sounds of traditional gamelan music fill the air. The deceased is placed inside the bade, and the tower is carried by dozens of men through the village streets. The bade is spun around and carried in a zigzag pattern. This is believed to confuse any evil spirits that might try to interfere with the soul’s journey.
Family members, especially the eldest son or daughter, play a key role during the procession. They do this by carrying personal items of the deceased — such as clothes or mementos — which are also cremated. This ritual symbolizes freeing the soul from worldly attachments and allowing it to move forward unburdened.
The Balinese Hindu Cremation
Upon reaching the cremation site, the bade is set down, and the sarcophagus—often shaped like a sacred animal, such as a bull or a lion—is placed on a pyre.
Fire is considered a powerful element in Balinese Hinduism and symbolizes purification and transformation. The high priest leads sacred prayers and chants mantras while offerings are made to the gods. The flames are then lit.
Offerings continue to be made during the cremation, both to the gods and the deceased’s ancestors. These offerings serve as a form of protection, asking the deities to bless the soul and grant it safe passage. The ritual also honors the family’s connection to their ancestors.
Post-Cremation Rituals
Once the body has been cremated, the family gathers the ashes and bone fragments. These are often placed in a coconut shell and taken to the sea or a nearby river to be ceremoniously scattered. This ritual symbolizes the return of the soul to nature.
In some cases, a further ritual known as Ngeroras is performed to purify the soul from any remaining ties to the material world. During this ritual, families prepare various offerings, similar to those made during Ngaben, which may include fruits, rice, and flowers.
Lastly, the family offers final prayers and expresses their love and gratitude for their loved one.
Modern Adaptations of the Ngaben
While the essence of Ngaben remains rooted in tradition, modern adaptations have emerged in Bali, especially for families with limited resources.
One of these adaptions is in the form of mass cremations. These multiple cremations help families reduce costs while still fulfilling the spiritual requirements. Additionally, some cremations have adopted eco-friendly practices such as smaller fires and biodegradable materials due to environmental and sustainability concerns.
Outside of Bali, the traditional Ngaben can be challenging to replicate due to cultural differences and logistical considerations. However, places like Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles offer cremation services that can cater to the needs of Balinese Hindu families. The venue provides a unique setting where cultural traditions can be honored while accommodating modern practices.
Honoring Cultural Practices with Hollywood Forever
At Hollywood Forever, we recognize and deeply respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of those who seek our services. This is why we offer highly customizable Hindu cremation services. Our dedicated, considerate, and professional staff will help you incorporate specific Balinese rituals into the cremation process, ensuring that the essence of Ngaben is preserved for your loved one’s final farewell.
At Hollywood Forever, we help you celebrate life and death in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
