Photo Essay: A.A.Mangkling’s Ngaben, by Tahnia Roberts

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A.A.Mangkling’s Ngaben, Bali, September 2011

The Ngaben (cremation rite) is a sacred right of passage in Bali, and a great time for celebration. The Hindu-Balinese believe the body is impure, a temporary shell, having no significance at all, except as a container of the soul and its anchor to the earth. All thoughts at the time of death are concentrated upon the spirit and its passage to heaven. The body is just there to be disposed of, and, instead of grieving, the Balinese prefer to throw a great celebration, in the process hastening their dead friend’s soul to oneness with god.

I was invited by the family to join the celebration of Mr A.A. Mangkling’s life, festivities and rituals including nyiramin layon – bathing of the body, the procession, the last sacrifice and finally the releasing of the spirit to the sea.

Photographer: Tahnia Roberts
Camera: Canon 1Ds M3
Website: www.tahniaroberts.com

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