Ritual Cleansing at Bali Temple Strengthens Tri Hita Karana Values, New Study Finds
A recent study from STKIP Agama Hindu Amlapura reveals that traditional ritual practices at a Hindu temple in Bali are playing an important role in strengthening local values of environmental care, social harmony, and spiritual awareness. The research was conducted by Ni Putu Gatriyani, Ni Kadek Ayu Paramanandani, and I Komang Badra, and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Sustainable Social Science. The study focuses on mereresik, a traditional Balinese Hindu cleansing ritual, and spiritual education activities at Pura Anggreka Sari in Banjar Dinas Batugunung, Bukit Village, Karangasem Regency. The findings show that these temple-based activities function not only as religious ceremonies but also as practical educational spaces that reinforce the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana in everyday life. The research is considered significant because Tri Hita Karana remains one of Bali’s most important local philosophies, emphasizing harmony between humans and God, fellow humans, and nature. At a time when environmental issues and social fragmentation are becoming more visible, the study suggests that local religious practices can help preserve these values in modern society.
A recent study from STKIP Agama Hindu Amlapura reveals that traditional ritual practices at a Hindu temple in Bali are playing an important role in strengthening local values of environmental care, social harmony, and spiritual awareness. The research was conducted by Ni Putu Gatriyani, Ni Kadek Ayu Paramanandani, and I Komang Badra, and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Sustainable Social Science. The study focuses on mereresik, a traditional Balinese Hindu cleansing ritual, and spiritual education activities at Pura Anggreka Sari in Banjar Dinas Batugunung, Bukit Village, Karangasem Regency. The findings show that these temple-based activities function not only as religious ceremonies but also as practical educational spaces that reinforce the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana in everyday life. The research is considered significant because Tri Hita Karana remains one of Bali’s most important local philosophies, emphasizing harmony between humans and God, fellow humans, and nature. At a time when environmental issues and social fragmentation are becoming more visible, the study suggests that local religious practices can help preserve these values in modern society.
Local Wisdom at the Center of Community Life
Tri Hita Karana is a core Balinese Hindu philosophy that teaches three harmonious relationships:
-Parhyangan: harmony between humans and God
-Pawongan: harmony among humans
-Palemahan: harmony between humans and the environment
According to the authors, while Tri Hita Karana is often discussed in tourism and development policy, fewer studies examine how these values are practiced directly in local communities through rituals and temple education. The study at Pura Anggreka Sari fills that gap by showing how local religious activities can become a form of community-based education.
Method: Observing Rituals and Community Learning
The researchers used a qualitative field study approach. They observed temple activities, conducted in-depth interviews with temple priests and community members, and documented ritual practices over the course of the study. Informants included religious leaders (pemangku), village residents, and participants involved in cleansing rituals and spiritual learning sessions. The researchers then analyzed how these practices contributed to the strengthening of Tri Hita Karana values.
Main Findings: Rituals Become Living Education
The study found that mereresik and spiritual education work as practical tools for internalizing moral and environmental values. Key findings include:
-Ritual cleansing strengthens spiritual discipline and devotion before worship.
-Temple-based spiritual education builds cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect among residents.
-Collective cleaning activities improve environmental awareness and community responsibility.
-Participants apply Tri Hita Karana values not only in temple rituals but also in daily social life.
The researchers found that community members do not see mereresik simply as cleaning the temple. It is also understood as a symbolic act of purifying thoughts, speech, and behavior.
Strengthening the Human–Nature Relationship
One of the strongest findings concerns environmental awareness. Before major ceremonies, community members work together to clean temple grounds, surrounding water sources, and nearby natural spaces. This practice creates a direct connection between spirituality and ecological responsibility. Participants reported that caring for nature is considered part of religious devotion because nature itself is viewed as sacred. The study suggests that such practices can serve as an informal environmental education model rooted in local culture. In communities where formal environmental campaigns may have limited impact, ritual-based learning can offer a more effective approach.
Social Cohesion Through Temple Education
Spiritual education at the temple is conducted through dharma wacana (religious talks), collective prayers, and community discussions about Hindu teachings. These activities strengthen social bonds among residents. Participants said they learn cooperation, solidarity, and respect through shared rituals and collective service activities such as ngayah, voluntary community service in temple ceremonies. The authors note that this process supports intergenerational learning, allowing elders to pass cultural values to younger generations through direct experience rather than formal instruction.
Implications for Education and Sustainability
The findings have broader implications beyond religious practice. The authors argue that the integration of ritual and education at local temples can become a model for character education, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Potential benefits include:
-strengthening youth character education
-preserving local cultural identity
-promoting community-based environmental protection
-supporting sustainable tourism and local development
-reinforcing ethical behavior through lived religious experiences
According to Ni Putu Gatriyani, the temple acts not only as a place of worship but also as a center for value transmission, where spiritual teachings are directly connected to social and ecological action.
Author Profiles
Ni Putu Gatriyani is a lecturer and researcher at STKIP Agama Hindu Amlapura, specializing in Hindu religious education, local wisdom, and community-based cultural studies.
Ni Kadek Ayu Paramanandani is an academic focusing on spiritual education, Balinese cultural studies, and environmental ethics in religious communities.
I Komang Badra is a researcher whose work centers on local wisdom, sustainable community development, and the role of religion in social transformation.
Research Source
Gatriyani, N. P., Paramanandani, N. K. A., & Badra, I. K. (2026). Strengthening the Values of Tri Hita Karana through Cleansing and Spiritual Education at Pura Anggreka Sari, Banjar Dinas Batugunung, Bukit Village, Karangasem Regency. International Journal of Sustainable Social Science, 145–156.
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