Saturday, January 23, 2010

Kecak the philosophy dance

In Bali, there are different types of traditional dance that is be admired by the tourists from domestic and overseas tourists. One of them is the Kecak dance which reputedly created in 1930. Kecak dance is usually played by the men, amounting to dozens of people line up to sit in a way and form a circle with a rhythm called the word “cak”. The dancers who sit around and use a cloth with the motif boxes, such as chess boards around their waist. Besides the dancers, the dancers have also the other portrayal of figures such as the Ramayana, Rama, Shinta, Rahwana, Hanoman (a kind of an ape). Kecak dance songs taken from the ritual dances of Sang Hyang (God). In addition, the tool does not use music. Only used kincringan charged on foot dancers portray the figures Ramayana.

kecak dance

Kecak Dance is a dance that told the story of Ramayana, Rama struggle assisted by Hanoman against Rahwana in order to free Shinta from the grip of Rahwana. As the heroic stories, then be depicted at the end of the story that the “good” certain defeat “evil.” Shinta and can eventually released by Rama who is assisted by Hanoman.



However, the Kecak dance originated from the tradition of Sang Hyang ritual that its dancers are not aware of the condition / trance, making communication with God or the spirit of the ancestors, which then convey its expectations to the community.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Istana one luxury villa in Bali

The Istana private luxury villa is located on the southwestern tip of Bali. This five bedroom private estate rests on a large block of west facing cliff top providing unparalleled sunset views. Every luxury for the modern day visitor is found in the Istana.



The West facing Istana resides on a Southwestern tip of Bali, Indonesia, in an area named The Bukit. This five suite estate overlooks white sand beaches and a lagoon abundant with sea life and coral, and at night, magical sunsets. When the trade winds blow, a massive swell crashes onto the surrounding reef, crafting waves that attract worldwide surfing attention; the breaks are rated the fifth best in the world. Uluwatu beach is only a ten minute walk from the villa.

Set back approximately thirty meters from the cliff face, The Istana sits within a tremendous gated property and is composed of two swimming pools, a large dinning and relaxing bale, a games and children wing, and a private guest house (containing the master bedroom), and the main house/building.

The operational team of the Istana, over 25 people in total, possess extensive back of house facilities (offices, storage, changing rooms, etc) located on the ground floor of a building on the north east corner of the estate. The upper floor of this building is the games and children’s wing.

The games and children wing features one large room with a pool table and video game corner (with both Wii and PS3 machines). There are also three other smaller rooms (and bathrooms), one of which has four bunk beds for children. One room for domestic staff (who may be travelling with guests or locally hired and given overnight charges) featuring two small beds, and another room which can be arranged to host children’s cots or other configurations.

A restaurant grade kitchen is located on the south east side of the estate. Covered parking hosts the 3 cars that come with the Istana (one ‘beach car’ and the Alphard) and also provide for additional covered and non-covered slots for additional guest vehicles.

Within the main house are a living room, dining room, TV room and lounge, and four very similar bedroom suites (apart from the master suite which stands in its own separate building). All of the guest buildings are single-story and open-air with rich teakwood floors, inspiring a natural ambiance, while maintaining and accentuating the spectacular view and modern design.

The overall style is a blend of modern architecture and traditional Indonesian detailing, with features that highlight Indonesian materials and workmanship. The artwork is a collection of primitive art and antiques from around the Indonesian archipelago, which complement the stylish blend of traditional and modern.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Keris is a spiritual culture of heritage

The most famous pusaka or heirloom for Javanese people is Keris. In the ancient time, a man is not considered as a real man if he has no a Keris. The Keris is highly valued, treated and respected with special care.

This pusaka is usually inherited from fore fathers. According to Javanese ancient tradition, especially in the court families, a father was obliged to give to his adult son at least a Keris.
keris
In Principle, a keris is a personal sacred weapon, it is made by an Empu -a person with spiritual power who are experts in making heirloom things eg. Keris-, in accordance with the wish of the consumer.

In general, Keris is divided to two important parts, the blade (Wilah) and the scabbard (Warangka), to protect the blade. The process of the making of the blade in the old days may last one year only for one Keris. Only the respectable Empus could make a high quality Keris, physically and spiritually. Empu has to do some spiritual deeds to prepare a Keris, like fasting, not sleeping for several days and nights, meditation, etc.

Despite its physical characteristic, keris contain a spiritual mission. The original spiritual power is the wishes of the Empu, the maker. While preparing and making a keris, the Empu, in the holy state, solemnly pray to God Almighty, the Keris should contain spiritual wishes as requested by the Empu or the consumer. It depends who is going to use the Keris, the mission should be different, for instance, for a King, Begawan (priest), generals, high ranking officials, farmers, traders, fishermen, workers, soldiers, etc. So, it could be easy to understand that a Keris which good for a King , may be not good for a farmer.

The additional and/or other spiritual power of Keris. The Keris could be filled with spiritual beings, unseen by ordinary people, such as a genie, (jin or qodam) in order to protect or to help the Keris owner.