Final answer:
The Balinese send their deceased to the next life through a spiritual and communal cremation ceremony, deeply rooted in a combination of Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous beliefs. The use of a bade tower and lembu wooden bull, along with prayers and Balinese dance drama performances, are central elements of this sacred ritual.
Step-by-step explanation:
Balinese Hinduism is a unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs that shapes the island's spiritual practices. One of the most important ceremonies in Balinese culture is the death ritual, which sends the deceased to the next life.
The format of the Balinese death ritual often involves cremation, which is significant in many Hindu societies including Bali. In accordance with Balinese tradition, the body is cremated in a grand ceremony to liberate the soul so that it may ascend to heaven and eventually be reincarnated. The process of cremation is highly ritualized, involving a series of steps that may vary depending on social status and regional practices. A key element of the ceremony is a large, elaborate tower known as bade that carries the body to the cremation site and a wooden bull known as a lembu, especially for higher caste individuals, symbolizing the vehicle that will transport the soul to the afterlife.
During the ceremony, there may be prayers, offerings, and sometimes even a Balinese dance drama performance, which depicts various spiritual themes and ensures the deceased a safe journey. The community often participates in the event, reflecting the Balinese belief in communal support and the interconnectedness of life and death. These rituals are rich in symbolism and are believed to be crucial for the peace of the departing soul, the deceased's family, and the entire community.