Does the youth feel dragged down by their religious heritage, experiencing a sense of
active alienation to the global picture of cultural and technical assimilation, or are they
positively concerned with the liberation that can be exercised from their spiritual
practices? Basically, is it a battle of smart phone versus Dewi Sri?
Most of the youths considered in this small study were exceptionally confident about
their relationship with their God, and, according to
them, nearly all will not only preserve their faith but will
enhance it over time. Over 90% think that they will
become closer to their God in the future. Agung from
Sanur says that since “God already give us life, joy,
and happiness, and, to repay the gods we must come
closer to them and always do the right thing.” Indeed,
many of the youths interviewed expressed a personal,
direct connection to their God and gods without
reservation or the need for objective justifications.
Shantidewi from Denpasar said: “My God is my hero
and my strength. Without my God, I am nothing. I
always apologize to my God when I’ve done wrong,
and I always thank to God when I am happy.”
Perhaps it is useful and appropriate to briefly exam the
three loosely-defined Balinese Hindu varieties here: adat, agama Hindu, and devotional
Hinduism.
Adat represents the pre and post-colonial ritual-based Hinduism and focuses on the
mystical connection between the Balinese and their divinized ancestors. It is the most
brilliantly exhibited of the three types as it is exercised in the various rituals that one can
witness in Bali, including cremations and temple ceremonies. Contrasting adat is the
official state-promoted version of Hinduism in Indonesia, agama Hindu. It is based on
text and doctrine. Like Catholicism within Christianity, agama Hindu’s dogma can be
traced back to historical, textual, etymological, and locational roots starting in India.
Therefore, to some, and specifically the state, it holds more authority and validity as a
traveling form of Hinduism. Devotional Hinduism, the last type, was recognized in Bali in