Duality & the Commercialisation of the Spirit
The commercialisation of Eastern spirituality began in the USA. “In America is the place, the people, the opportunity for everything new,” wrote Swami Vivekananda before he left India in 1893. Vivekananda had learned from his guru, Sri Ramakrishna, that the world’s religions “are but various phases of one eternal religion”, and the spiritual essence could
Bali’s New Year Resolutions
This article is available as a Podcast episode. Listen here: 2022 was an important year of recovery for Bali and, with a sigh of relief, we can see that the economy has bounced back and that the business, communities and individuals are not only surviving, but thriving! How far we have come from the desperate
BASAbali: The Journey to Digitise the Balinese Language
BASABali – a registered foundation in Indonesia and non-profit in USA – are a collective of linguists, anthropologists, students and communicators who are driven by the same mission: to ensure the continuation of the Balinese language. Alissa J. Stern, Founder of BASAbali; and Ni Nyoman Clara Listya Dewi, Head of Communications for BASAbali and a
Nurturing the Next Generation of Indonesian Coffee Farmers
When the pandemic brought Bali’s tourism industry to a standstill, Mika, 29, left his job in guest services at a resort and returned to his home village of Pajahan in the island’s central-west highlands. After 11 years of working in the tourism sector — which accounts for more than half of Bali’s economy — he
War, Art and Peace: Bali as an Example of Balance for World Leaders
Bali is Indonesia’s window to the world. This role comes into full bloom with more and more global events taking place on the island, such as the the IMF and G20 summits. Whilst Bali participates in international affairs, on the other side of the coin, the world, too, participates in Bali’s affairs. In fact, Bali’s
A Reminder: Bali Bomb Survivor
I can vaguely remember the way the policemen blocked the access to Kuta in 2002. There’s been a bombing, they said. Whilst I remember the day, my memory is nothing compared to those directly impacted, or even indirectly, by the events of that fateful day. Once a year, on 12 October, they commemorate the tragedy
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is an Experience Beyond Books
From 27 to 30 October 2022, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) will take over Bali’s cultural capital for its 19th year running. There will be 150 storytellers — from writers and poets to activists and musicians — descending upon Ubud over the four days, all of whom will feature on over 50 panels,
Weaving the Ocean: Art Installation Turns Discarded Plastic Ropes into Refined Tapestry
The Coral Triangle Center (CTC), a Bali-based environmental NGO, has unveiled ‘Weaving the Ocean’, an art installation and exhibition by Indonesian artist, Ari Bayuaji, showcased at their Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur. The Coral Triangle Center has always made it its mission to continuously educate people about the oceans, and how to preserve and
A Message from Janet DeNeefe: Founder & Director of Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Dear Readers, The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we view and experience literature and community. It has reminded us of the deep value, and essential effect creative programming has on our society. It also challenged thousands of arts organizations like never before. At the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, we wanted to ensure we continued
50 Thrifty Ways to Help Save Bali and the Planet
Every day we make choices in our lives that affect the environment, the climate and other species that we share in this amazing world with. But there’s actually a lot more that we can do to reduce our environmental footprint to leave more room – and better conditions – for wild animals and plants. Of course,
Scholars of Sustenance Organises Second Million Meals Paddle Fundraising Event
Food Rescue Foundation, Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Indonesia, has always been committed to feeding communities in need in Bali and Indonesia through the collection and redistribution of edible surplus food from hospitality partners including hotels, restaurants, bakeries and food manufacturers. In 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SOS Indonesia managed an astonishing feat of distributing a
Bali 1928: Repatriating Bali’s Musical Memories
You can listen to a full interview with Bali 1928 in Episodes 23 and 24 of The NOW! Bali Podcast: “I haven’t heard this since I was a kid,” said Wayan Beratha upon hearing the scratchy recordings of a Balinese gamelan composition from 1928. The melodic tones of Curik Ngaras (Starlings Kissing) sparked a 70-year
Maja Healing: A Centre for Professional, Holistic Healing and Therapy in Bali
Though relatively under the radar, Maja Healing is one of the island’s most sought-after practices for holistic healing, knowledge sharing and community building. A tranquil oasis set in the quaint Umalas neighbourhood, this not-for-profit centre has been helping clients improve their overall mental, emotional or physical well-being, or indeed recover from a variety of ailments
