Tag: prayers

Visiting Tirta Empul

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Indonesia has such a fascinating religious history, something I wanted to explore whist I was out there. Bali, The Island of the Gods, has been inhabited since 2000 BC. It is the only predominantly Hindu island in Indonesia, the others being primarily Muslim. Hindu symbolism is evident throughout the island, and is very much at the centre of every day life.

Canang sari is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer. Every home, every business, every place of worship puts of sari multiple times a day. They are little woven grass baskets, filled with flowers, petals and incense. Continue reading →

Boo & Pop’s Girly Day Out

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In this journey I have had so many ‘Stardust moments’. If you haven’t read the book or seen the film, go away and watch/read it. Right. Now. There is a scene where the fallen star, who hasn’t been able to shine since she landed on the Earth, is in a warm bath, feeling comfort and kindness for the first time. And her shine returns, starting from her heart, seeping out of her whole body*. That’s how I feel today.

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Passover prayers

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Today I was welcomed into the home of Donna and Mel, Jay’s parents, to celebrate Passover with their family. And whilst the family approached the event with a humorous cynicism reserved for those about to hear the same mildly funny jokes of the umpteenth time, I was actually looking forward to it.

Passover is a special time in the Jewish calendar as it is about remembering the struggles of the Jews as slaves of the Egyptians, and the tough time in the desert that followed. They eat bitter herbs to signify these bitter struggles (horseradish, in our case), unleavened bread to signify the poor food available in this tough time, and a variety of things dipped in salt water to signify the tears wept. I’m skirting over the details slightly, as you can look into the celebration for yourself if you’re interested, and I would absolutely encourage you to do so.

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