Placing canang sari on deceased animals is not a random or careless act, but rather a meaningful and thoughtful gesture. It’s a compassionate gesture meant to aid the animal’s spirit in finding peace and balance in the afterlife. This practice is rooted in the Balinese belief in Tri Hita Karana, the three causes of well-being: harmony among people, with nature, and with the divine.
If you’ve ever been to Bali, you might have seen something that puzzled you: small baskets of flowers and incense, called canang sari, placed on or near the bodies of dead animals on the streets. You might have wondered what this means, and why people do it. Is it a sign of disrespect or indifference? Or is it a way of honoring and caring for the animals?
The answer lies in the Balinese Hindu culture, which is rich in spirituality and philosophy. In Bali, every aspect of life is infused with religious meaning, from daily rituals to the way the community interacts with their environment. Canang sari, the daily offerings, are not just a cultural phenomenon; they represent a profound philosophical approach to life.
Canang sari are prepared and presented as tokens of gratitude to the divine. They are made of flowers, incense, and sometimes food, each with a different meaning and direction, representing different aspects of the Hindu godhead. They are not only a ritual obligation, but also a spiritual expression and a personal communication with the divine. They are a way of expressing gratitude, devotion, balance, harmony, compassion, and respect to the divine, the nature, and the living and the dead.
Placing canang sari on deceased animals is not a random or careless act, but rather a meaningful and thoughtful gesture. It’s a compassionate gesture meant to aid the animal’s spirit in finding peace and balance in the afterlife. This practice is rooted in the Balinese belief in Tri Hita Karana, the three causes of well-being: harmony among people, with nature, and with the divine.
This ritual is a testament to the Balinese reverence for all life forms. By offering canang sari to animals that have passed away, the Balinese acknowledge the importance of every creature in the cycle of life. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the respect that is due to them, in life and in death.
So, why do Balinese Hindu people put canang sari on dead animals? This practice is a rich blend of spiritual belief, respect for nature, and an expression of the island’s unique approach to life and death. For visitors, understanding and respecting this tradition is a way to connect more deeply with Bali’s diverse and vibrant culture.
