In Bali, a beautiful philosophy called Tri Hita Karana guides daily life. This philosophy, deeply ingrained in Balinese Hindu culture, offers profound insights into achieving individual and collective prosperity. Tri Hita Karana, meaning “three causes of well-being,” it emphasizes the essential balance between three interconnected relationships:

• with the divine (Parahyangan)
• with fellow humans (Pawongan)
• with the natural environment (Palemahan)

Parahyangan: spiritual connection

Parahyangan focuses on the relationship between humans and God, represented by Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme deity. Balinese Hindus express their devotion through daily rituals, ceremonies, and offerings, seeking spiritual awareness and maintaining balance with the divine. These practices are visible throughout Bali, woven into the fabric of their culture and religious expressions. Nevertheless, for many people spiritual balance can symbolise also mental wellbeing.  

This connection is deeply explored in various practices, most notably meditation. While Parahyangan focuses on the relationship with the divine, the act of seeking that connection—through prayer, ritual, or meditation—often has profound effects on mental and emotional states. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong link between mindfulness practices, such as meditation, and improved mental health. Furthermore, meditation can enhance emotional regulation, improve focus and attention, and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.

• Research using fMRI scans demonstrates that mindfulness meditation can induce measurable changes in brain activity, even outside of active meditation, suggesting its potential as a beneficial intervention for conditions like depression, with effects comparable to existing treatments.
• Meditation demonstrates broad positive effects across physical and mental health domains, impacting immunological and genetic markers.
• Mindfulness meditation strengthens connections between brain regions, potentially leading to reduced anxiety, improved memory, and better focus.

This aligns with the principles of Parahyangan, which emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner peace and spiritual awareness for overall well-being. By engaging in practices that promote inner peace and mindfulness, individuals can cultivate a sense of balance and harmony within themselves, mirroring the principles of Tri Hita Karana. This principle extends beyond meditation to encompass a strong sense of community, cultivated through shared rituals and ceremonies that strengthen social bonds. Indeed, this interpersonal connection is a cornerstone of Tri Hita Karana.

Pawongan: social connections

Pawongan addresses the crucial aspect of human relationships, recognizing that we are inherently social beings. It promotes respect, consideration, cooperation, and mutual assistance within the community, embodied by the concept of “Gotong Royon” (mutual assistance or working together). This emphasis on strong social bonds contributes significantly to the overall well-being of Balinese society, aligning with extensive psychological research demonstrating the profound impact of social connection on human health and happiness.

The “social animal” concept, deeply rooted in social psychology, highlights our innate need for social interaction and belonging. Studies have consistently shown that strong social connections are linked to numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved immune function, and increased longevity. For example, research demonstrated that there is a strong link between social relationships and morbidity. Conversely, social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a higher risk of various physical and mental health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive decline.

The Balinese emphasis on Pawongan and Gotong Royon directly addresses this fundamental human need. By fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual support, Balinese society creates a strong social safety net, promoting a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. This, in turn, contributes to improved mental and physical health outcomes, reinforcing the importance of social bonds for overall well-being.

Palemahan: connection to nature

Palemahan emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Research has consistently demonstrated the profound impact of nature on human wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health.

• Stress reduction: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Natural environments provide a sense of calm and tranquility, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
• Improved mood: Nature has a restorative effect on our minds, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall mood. Natural light exposure can also regulate our circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep and emotional stability.
• Enhanced cognitive function: Being in nature can improve attention span, memory, and creativity. Natural environments provide a respite from the constant stimulation of urban life, allowing our minds to rest and recharge.
• Physical health benefits: Engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking or gardening, promotes physical fitness and cardiovascular health. Nature also provides opportunities for social interaction and community building.

The world of nature

The Balinese philosophy of Palemahan emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Another way of understanding is from the perspective of all that nature gives us. From natural resources, food up to herbal healing powers. The Balinese people, with their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to nature, have a long tradition of using herbal remedies for healing. This knowledge is passed down through generations, preserving a valuable link to the natural world.

For example, the tradition of Balian, a traditional healer, is deeply rooted in the local culture, reflecting a deep understanding of natural remedies and the interconnectedness of human health, environment, and the spiritual. This same principle of harmonious interaction with nature is exemplified by the Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ingenious system sustainably manages water resources for rice cultivation, demonstrating a profound understanding of ecological balance.

This demonstrates a deep understanding of how humans can work in partnership with nature, rather than against it, to create a thriving and sustainable environment.

Interconnectedness of people, nature and wellbeing

Tri Hita Karana permeates all aspects of Balinese life, from daily rituals to grand ceremonies. Temple ceremonies (Odalan) bring communities together to offer prayers and offerings, reinforcing their connection to the divine, each other, and the natural world. Even the “penjor,” the tall bamboo poles erected during festivals, symbolize the link between the human and spiritual realms.  

In essence, Tri Hita Karana offers a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence. Thiss holistic philosophy offers valuable insights for creating a more sustainable future. By fostering a harmonious relationship with the divine (Parahyangan), fostering strong social connections (Pawongan), and maintaining a balanced relationship with nature (Palemahan), Balinese culture promotes a way of life that prioritizes well-being and a healthy planet.

The indigineous Balinese way of life offers a compelling model. By integrating sustainability principles like those exemplified in the Subak system and the circular economy, we can work towards a world where humans and nature thrive in harmony. This aligns perfectly with the core message of Tri Hita Karana – achieving individual and collective well-being through a balanced relationship between ourselves, each other, and the natural world.