In the heart of Bali’s Lotudunduh rice fields, a farmer dressed in traditional baju adat (ceremonial attire) performs a sacred ritual in a small open-air stone temple. He offers brightly coloured flowers in a woven palm platter, sprinkled with holy water, to one of the tall carved shrines. This practice is part of the ancient, ritualistic rice farming system known as subak, which integrates spiritual and practical aspects of agriculture.
I Made Chakra Widia, a fourth-generation rice farmer from Pengosekan near Ubud, praises the wisdom of early Balinese farmers. They had a profound understanding of the land’s interaction with soil, water, and weather, viewing nature as a partner rather than a resource to exploit. This philosophy aligns with Tri Hita Karana, Bali’s unique Hinduism that emphasises balance between the spirit realm, humanity, and nature for overall prosperity and well-being.
Originally rooted in the animist religion Agama Tirtha (Religion of Water), which venerates water as a central element of life, Bali’s spiritual practices were influenced by the Hindu Majapahit conquest in the 14th century, evolving into what is now known as Hindu Dharma. Despite this, many Balinese still refer to their religion as Agama Tirtha. Water plays a crucial role in all aspects of Balinese rituals and ceremonies, from daily offerings to major festivals, reflecting its sanctity and essential role in sustaining life.
To address population pressures and enhance rice production in the ninth century, Balinese farmers innovated an elaborate irrigation system. They developed stepped rice terraces suited to the mountainous terrain and established an intricate network of canals, channels, weirs, and drainage ditches. This system continues to sustain Bali’s rice terraces, illustrating the enduring harmony between agricultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
