National Geographic Travelのインスタグラム(natgeotravel) - 3月14日 21時28分

Photograph by @ジョン・スタンメイヤー

Balinese Hindus go into deep trance while looking out upon the water on the mystical and spiritual beach known as Petitenget Beach in Bali, Indonesia, as millions of Balinese celebrate Melasti, the sacred day of cleansing days before the start of Nyepi.

For more than five years, I have the privilege to live on the mystical island of Bali in Indonesia. Working on a story for National Geographic magazine, I delved deep into the mystical layers of how volcanoes — considered spiritual by many throughout the archipelago — are an important aspect in the lives of Indonesians.

Melasti is a very spiritual event, where tens of thousands of Balinese go to the ocean across the entire island, cleanings themselves before the run up to the day of silence or Nyepi — Nyepi just happened five days ago or on March 9.

Those with deep spiritual feelings often go into trance, taking sharp kris’s or daggers, trying to piece themselves. It is believed that spirits reside in the waters around Bali and in the mountains, which are volcanoes, protecting those in this very beautiful trance state.

Having witnessed countless Melasti's over the years, I have never once seen anyone pierce their skin, always protected by the spirits.

To see more about the unique culture of Bali, you can purchase my book, Island of the Spirits, through Amazon — go to my #Instagram page where there is a direct link to the book.

All my best,

John Stanmeyer

@ナショナルジオグラフィック @natgeocreative @thephotosociety #bali #indonesia #melasti #nyepi #spirituality #hindu #hinduism #balinese #petitenget #kris #daggers #islandofthespirits #book

[BIHAKUEN]UVシールド(UVShield)

>> 飲む日焼け止め！「UVシールド」を購入する

• ジョン・スタンメイヤー