The Island

Bali has so much to enjoy and while the retreats feature our complete surf, yoga & cultural program all our retreat activities are optional and guests who do not wish to participate any provided activities are invited to follow their bliss and enjoy many of the others available such as...

~Indonesian Cooking classes
~Silver jewelry making courses
~Elephant Safari
~Tropical Bird Park
~Hiking Volcanoes
~Snorkeling
~Scuba Diving
~Parasailing
~Sailing
~Visiting local art museums
~Relaxing on the beach
~Getting spa treatments
~Amazing shopping
~Bicycle tour
~Horse riding on the beach
~Whitewater rafting trips
....or you can simply chill out and daydream by the pool. The choice is yours!

(Extra activities are not included in package rate)

BALI

In today's world where fast-paced western materialistic society and worried thinking tends to dominate, there remains a haven. This haven is a temple of our "global" village, which has been protected and preserved for hundreds of years. This "sanctuary" is Bali. When one seeks a Bali beyond the usual tourist havens, as we do on our retreats, they find themselves on both an inner as well as outer journey. It's a journey into a world which may have previously only existed in their dreams.

Each person's journey is unique, after visiting Bali on a Surf Goddess Retreat we are sure that you will take something precious from this magical place which you will cherish for the rest of your life.

A Sacred Space

The lotus bud of the Balinese culture has yet to reveal "her" hidden glories. Her outer petals are withered; since the bombing in Bali and the subsequent decline in tourism. However, the Balinese have maintained a harmonious and positive disposition. In the face of economic hardship the culture has sustained equanimity, and a resolve is emerging to embrace the positives of this tragedy. The essence of Bali, the sacred spice of soul merged with the essence of high Hinduism (Siwa) and Buddhism, deeply flavored with animism and ancestral worship, are now concealed in the protective "mask" of Hindu Dharma. The inner preserves of what the Balinese call Tri-Sakti, is still very alive.

The Balinese continue to protect and maintain the sanctity of this island of Gods and Goddesses. Whatever madness and terror is besieging humanity around the world, it is important to know that we all have a place, a retreat where the majority of the Balinese population sacrifice a tremendous amount of time and energy in "holding this sacred space".

When you come to Bali, free your mind for a time, study, observe and tune in and you will be re-inspired, your creativity opened, and brought to a place of peace within your own being.

Bali remains our protected temple, which allows us the possibility of relaxing and releasing the materialistic mind, and entering the inner chambers of your own heart. The beauty and artistry is obvious. The fluidity and humor of the people delight the senses. Drop down a little deeper and you feel a new burst of creativity awakening in your own life, a taste of pure soul consciousness. The opportunity to drink deeply of the elixir of this culture will always be defended and protected by the Balinese. They have provided the space and style to fit all persuasions and the Balinese have more than ever demonstrated their ability to be gracious hosts to a global clientele.

A World of Sharing

The power and beauty of Bali lies deep within the lay of the land and the connection that the Balinese maintain with the earthy deity called Ibu Pertiwi (First Mother). They have a deeply ingrained sense of understanding and appreciation that all they have and love is birthed and given by mother earth. In this way everyone is bound to the collective principle, all brothers and sisters of the one mother.

Within this union a shared responsibility for the whole is felt by all. Most everything in this way falls into the category of "biasa", which simply means what is normal or ordinary. From this normalcy comes an extraordinary feeling of continuity. Observe closely the gamelan orchestra, hammers prancing along the brass bars at incredible speed with precise synchronicity. Or the Pendet dancers in the temple, brought together from old and young, unrehearsed, yet moving gracefully in unison, perfectly coordinated through submission to the "one".

In a culture such as this, instinct and intuition are the founding forms of intelligence. The disposition of sharing or "gotong royong" is most basic. Once the Balinese are married, (within the structure of "banjar") forms of cooperative life are demanded. Most Balinese would have it no other way, for they can observe the characteristics of individuality, especially since the advent of tourism, yet they much prefer the communal ethic. In Bali every personal calamity becomes the shared problem among family, friends and ancestral deities, and oppressive solitude is rarely experienced.

From around the world, people of all races and persuasions continue to be attracted, like bees to Bali. Most westerners come from a very different upbringing where, from a young age, individualism is promoted and competition encouraged. Bali can be an extraordinary blessing for those who come to her shores to learn the art of sharing.

The bearer of Hinduism to Bali, a great saint from India was first rejected by this sacred land. It was only when he recognized the superior power of Bali's earth energy did he surrender. In this submission he was received and Bali opened to accept this new form of instruction called Hinduism.

From such a small island the global population has much to learn. When we learn to share we learn that we are never alone.

The short essays above are courtesy of Richard Semarr and are © SaraswatiBooks 2003-2004. All rights reserved.