Forget the Hustle and Bustle for a While

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Hindus follow the Mendak Tirta tradition at the Umbul Sitihinggil spring, Bendan Village, Banyudono District, Boyolali, Central Java, Saturday (26/2/2022). The tradition of taking water as a means of self-purification is carried out by Hindus as part of a series of rituals to welcome the Nyepi day of 1944 Saka..

The celebration of Nyepi (Day of Silence) in 2022 takes place in an atmosphere of concern. Nyepi is marked as the world remains gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic and is stained by war.

In Indonesia, Nyepi is observed on Thursday (3/3/2022). As the pandemic has not yet been fully overcome, the country is bothered by various political matters regarding the timing of the general elections. Some politicians want the 2024 general elections to be put off. Others question the development of the Nusantara capital city, as related to the tug-of-war of pre-election interests. In several regions conflicts are occurring among residents also linked to the forthcoming elections.

On the other hand, the public is plagued by the problem of supplies of staple foods, such as soybeans, cooking oil and beef. There is also the issue of workers’ welfare and old-age benefits. The government, now busily engaged in dealing with the pandemic, is failing to promptly respond to issues, giving rise to polemic and demonstrations in society. Moreover, people are already exhausted by Covid-19.

Also read:

> The Day of Silence: From Awareness to Covid-19

> A Day After Nyepi, Balinese People Told Not to Leave Home

Last week, Russia attacked Ukraine when Europe was still afflicted by the coronavirus. The majority of the world’s population demands the termination of the war. However, the invasion continues and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are evacuating to neighboring countries. The Russian assault extends the list of conflicts in the world that have not yet been resolved.

Before the Hindus celebrate Nyepi, the Islamic community commemorated Isra Miraj (Prophet Muhammad’s Ascension) on Monday (28/2). Catholic people on Wednesday (2/3) observe Ash Wednesday.

Kompas/P Raditya Mahendra Yasa

Several women carry prayer equipment and offerings after holding a prayer during the Melasti ceremony at the Beach, Marina, Semarang City, Central Java, Sunday (27/2/2022).

The essence of Nyepi, beginning with the tradition of ngembak geni (forgiveness) and melasti (purification), is self-restraint, self-purification and distancing oneself from worldly desires. The three consecutive religious holidays in Indonesia also at the same time remind people of the identity of humans who come from ash, in mutual need of fellow humans, and of the origin and destination of life.

There are four (catur) brata or prohibitions to be observed when commemorating Nyepi, which are amati geni (no fire or light), amati karya (no activity of work), amati lelungan (no travel), and amati lelanguan (no entertainment). The four brata of silence remind people of the need to exercise self-restraint, make introspection and pause for a while to avoid worldly hustle, egoism and a life that cares more for oneself or one’s group.

Also read:

> Music of Silence

In silence, without light, humans can unite their minds and common sense: creativity, emotion and will. Life should be beneficial for others and cause no harm to others. If all the people of Indonesia can pause for a moment in silence and reflection, life will be in harmony. There is no clamor, let alone any power and political uproar.

According to Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BCE), politics is the art of making society happier, better. If the world community could join the commemoration of Nyepi for just a day, there would be no more war or conflict in this universe. Forget for a while all the hustle and bustle so as to feel the beauty of peace and a harmonious life.

Happy Day of Silence, Saka New Year 1944.

This article was translated by Aris Prawira.