Banyan Tree Philosophy for Balinese People

I have been in Bali for five days. For me, visiting Bali is the same as visiting heaven. It's not just me who feels it, however, many people around the world who have visited Bali will feel like they are visiting heaven. Many people around the world also forget that Bali is part of the State of Indonesia. Because I like to ride motorbikes, I always use motorbikes to get around. Unlike other tourists, I prefer to visit remote villages in Bali. The villages in Bali are so beautiful, harmonious, beautiful, and fragrant with the aroma of incense.

Two days ago, a large banyan tree located on the edge of a rice field caught my attention. When I saw the big banyan tree, it was very soothing and also thrilled my soul. Lush leaves and large tree trunks provide coolness and shade around it, it is only natural that the banyan tree is so close to the hearts of the Balinese people. For Balinese indigenous people, the banyan tree is the abode of the gods, so this tree is considered a heavenly tree. Therefore, banyan trees are often found in various temples where Hindu rituals are sacred in Bali.

Balinese people believe that the banyan tree is the mother of mankind. The banyan root is so sturdy and strong that it becomes a symbol of might. Banyan leaves that are so dense and soothing become a symbol of purity. If we remember that the world continues to experience global warming as well as climate change and ecological disasters, it seems that the world can implement what the Balinese people believe.

The Hindu tradition in Bali provides a deep philosophy for the banyan tree. The banyan is a symbol of the trinity of Hindu gods in Bali. The bark represents Lord Vishnu, the root of the tree represents Lord Brahma, and the branches from the trunk represent Lord Shiva. Therefore the holy places in Bali are so close to the banyan tree. They preserve the banyan tree in every village and also take care of it. The banyan tree and humans become a symbiotic mutualism, namely banyan and humans protect and preserve each other.

If you go to Bali and travel to remote villages, you will see various offerings and incense under the banyan tree. Because for the people of Bali, banyan is also a symbol of fertility and health. So the banyan tree is revered by people who want to have children. This illustrates that banyan is so close to the Balinese people and their Hindu traditions.

In an ideology adopted by the State of Indonesia, namely Pancasila. There are five basic principles of the state. The third precept is a picture of a banyan tree which means "Indonesian Unity". The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has also mentioned that the symbol of the banyan tree is the shade and strength of the Indonesian nation. A place of shelter for all Indonesian people. All tribes, religions, races, and cultures take refuge under a banyan tree in peace and harmony. The unity of the nation in Indonesia must be stronger like the roots of a banyan tree that are sturdy and continue to grow bigger.

I remember all the members of the United Nations who agreed to achieve peace and mutual prosperity in 2015. They discussed 17 big agendas that must be achieved together. The five main cores that are so closely related are the development of health, education, reducing economic inequality, to preserving of a better environment. In all of these things, I think the banyan tree is very big in everything they talk about. From the banyan tree, we can learn strength and giving. Never ignore and forget the banyan tree.

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