What the West Can Learn
The Balinese Approach to Spirituality
Season 5. Episode 11. Listen to full episodes of the Podcast, here.
In Bali, spirituality is not separate from daily life. It is woven into every action. Small offerings of flowers and incense, known as canang sari, are placed in doorways and on dashboards as gestures of gratitude. Statues are draped in saput poleng, a black-and-white cloth symbolising life’s balance.
During a recent trip, I spoke with my friend Edhi about the spiritual philosophy of Bali. Here are three key lessons we can take from it:
"We respect angels, but we do respect the devil as well. If you only respect the angel but ignore the devil, they’re going to be mean to you."
1. Make spirituality part of your routine
Rather than setting aside time for devotion, the Balinese integrate it into daily life. A simple way to do this is through symbolic objects, like a Cleopatra’s Bling Marillac Pendant, worn as a quiet reminder of personal intention.
2. Honour the physical world
Spirituality in Bali is embodied through rituals, offerings, and sacred spaces. In an increasingly digital world, we can cultivate presence by lighting candles, arranging flowers, or wearing handcrafted jewellery with meaning.
3. Connection is sacred
Unlike the often individualistic Western approach, Balinese spirituality is deeply communal. Gathering with others, sharing traditions, and creating together can be acts of devotion.
For more insights, listen to my conversation with Edhi, where we explore Balinese rituals, time, and philosophy.