Balinese Daily Offering : Canang Sari
Have you ever been walking down a street in Bali, and saw an attractive little square woven basket made of banana leaves and filled with flowers? Or when you visit a temple and you see Balinese people carrying unique tower creations made of various fruits during traditional ceremonies? That is what is called Balinese offerings.
Balinese offerings can be found in every corner of Bali. From a few grains of rice affixed to a banana leaf, small everyday offerings placed around the house, to towers of fruit, cakes, poultry, and livestock carried in procession to the temple, Balinese offerings are common thing while in Bali.
One of the Balinese offerings that you will often see, especially on the road, is the daily offering called canang sari. Unique and beautiful, and it has a deep meaning and purpose, especially in the hearts of Balinese people.
What is Canang Sari?
The expression “canang sari” comes from the words sari (“core, essence”) and canang (a woven container made of coconut leaves). According to the Balinese dictionary, canang is a noun with subtle grammar which means betel. The book “Sembahyang menurut hindu” states that in ancient times betel had a very high value and became a symbol of respect. Betel is served to a highly respected guest.
According to Ida Pedanda Gede Made Gunung, a Balinese pedanda, the word “canang” consists of two Kawi syllables, “ca” (“beautiful”) and “nang” (“goal”). Thus the definition of canang can be described as a means that aims to invoke beauty (sundharam) in front of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
Canang has a very important role in the religious rituals of Hindus in Bali so it is also called Kanista or “the core of the ceremony”. No matter how big the ceremony is, it will not be complete if it is not filled with cymbals.
Canang sari is used as a daily offering to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as an expression of gratitude for the peace that has been given to the world; is the simplest household offering. The philosophy of the offering process is self-sacrifice, because it takes time and energy to prepare offerings. Canang sari is not used when there is a death in the community or family.
Life-lessons from Balinese offerings
1. Take our time and bring more joy
Take our time and bring more joy into our life and be grateful for every moment no matter how simple or complex it is. Start living your life with general concepts that can make a big difference in your life, and even for others.
2. To be versus to do
Stepping away from the to-do list and starting to build relationships with yourself or others, can be one way to get the best life lessons. It is important to know your true self and your true side.
3. Focus outside
Building a focus on something outside of yourself can avoid being overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling isolated. Begin to use recognizing our feelings as a signal that we may need something outward to change your internal experiences.
4. Show Gratitude
Be grateful for whatever you get and express it every day, it is useful for increasing your happiness and bringing good times into your daily life.
5. Ritual, devotion, and faith
Starting to commit to the things that are important to your life will bring about a deep sense of purpose and connection with yourself and even with others. In the long run, this commitment will help you develop trust and confidence within yourself.
6. Life is sacred
Live your life as sacred and cherish every beautiful moment, experience, and good relationship that happens. Take a little time to consider the magic of being human and the lessons learned in life.
