Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar encouraged Hindus to embrace Nyepi as a momentum to deepen their connection with Sang Hyang Widhi (the Supreme God) and engage in meaningful self-introspection.
"Nyepi is not merely a ritual but also a spiritual journey towards inner peace and harmony with nature," he remarked in Jakarta on Saturday.
On March 29, Hindus across Indonesia observe Nyepi (Silence Day), marking the 1947 New Year of lunar calendar Saka.
Umar encouraged Hindus to find inner calm, purify themselves, and promote social harmony in a diverse society.
"The essence of Nyepi lies in purifying oneself and the universe through silence. As stated in the Hindu holy book, purification can be achieved through water, truth, asceticism, and true knowledge," he elaborated.
He noted that Nyepi is an opportunity for spiritual purification.
Various Nyepi rituals are designed to cleanse Hindus' souls from various negative traits and restore them to the values of holiness and peace.
"Each series of Nyepi aims to cleanse the soul from negative traits. Hindus are also invited to reflect in order to return to divine values," he remarked.
The series of Nyepi rituals begins with the Melasti Ceremony to purify religious symbols, followed by the Bhuta Yajña Ceremony aimed at balancing the universe.
This is followed by the peak of the Nyepi celebration called "Catur Brata Penyepian", which comprises amati geni (no fire), amati karya (no work), amati lelungan (no travel), and amati lelanguan (no entertainment). These four principles serve as tools for self-reflection and controlling desires.
After Nyepi, Hindus celebrate Ngembak Geni, a time for togetherness, and Dharma Santi, a moment for fostering forgiveness.
These activities highlight the return to social life with renewed peace and harmony after self-cleansing.
This year's theme for Nyepi, "Manawasewa Madhawasewa," underscores the importance of serving others as an expression of devotion to Sang Hyang Widhi.
By embracing the noble values inherent in Nyepi, Hindus can help foster a more peaceful and harmonious society.
