Story of Bali, Indonesia

Whereas trance states in balian are normal phenomena, trance states may also represent mental disorders. Suryani (1984) described a culture-bound disorder, bebainan, which is a trance condition. An outbreak of trance disorder (kasurupan) in a group of schoolchildren was also described. Such disorders are treated successfully by either balian or Western psychiatrists and sometimes by both.

In summary, Bali is a relatively small, scenic island in the very large. archipelago of Indonesia, highly agrarian, with a strong tourist industry. Ninety three per cent of the 2.5 million population are of the Balinese Hindu faith. The Balinese Hindu religion permeates all, facets of Balinese life, including emotional expression, and is key to the cognitive sets of the people three factors is basic to health: the microcosmos or soul; the macrocosmos or universe; and the supreme God. The Balinese strive to keep the three factors in balance because lack of balance can cause illness or problems for the individual or community. The concept of balance is also of great importance for feeling of peace. Traditional healers treat illness by restoring balance.

Many ethnographers of Balinese culture have ma& interpretations based on Western concepts and points of view. This has been fraught with many difficulties and misinterpretations for a variety of reasons. For example, the Balinese attach an entirely different significance to cock-fights, compared to Westerners. Western thinking and meaning of language are often inapplicable to Balinese concepts- What has been generally lacking is an internal point of view by a Balinese. This work fills that gap it represents study by a scientist with lifelong experience of 1he culture. Suryani's professional position and personal relationships endow her with entree to the people and many situations, comfortable acceptance by subjects, an intimate 'feet' for the culture, and a cognitive perspective that no foreigner can possess. In comparison with an outsider, a native researcher can better enter into the world of the Balinese as they live it.

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