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Greetings from Bali, Hari Raya Nyepi!
 Arriving
in Bali, to be a mentor at the Bali Entrepreneur Business
School, was quite the surprise. It was the eve of the Caka
New Year and the streets were blocked with celebrations. Traditionally
on the eve of Nyepi villages “exorcise” evil spirits
with offerings, and raucous banging of gongs, tin drums, pots
and pans.
This year Nyepi fell on Thursday March 30. It is the most
sacred day for all Balinese. Nyepi, by contrast is a day of
silence, fasting and meditation. Hindus are expected to stay
home and abstain from all activities, believing the prohibition
will trick any demons who come to Bali after hearing the noises
from the night before. With nobody and no activity in sight,
the demons will think the island is abandoned, and return
to the underworld without disturbing anyone. Another belief
is that this practice is one of rebirth and cleansing.
Regardless of the reason, this celebration is very important
and taken seriously by both Hindus and non-Hindus. All guests
in Bali were asked to assist in preserving this day of silence
and meditation. Therefore, everything, including the airport,
was closed down. No vehicles are allowed on the road, and
no one was to leave their property, not even to walk on the
beech. It became a very relaxing day, before the start of
one of the greatest Entrepreneur weekends I ever attended.
Enjoy the listen and the read!
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