Liep-Liep Lipi Gadang, Ancestral Advice as a Reflection of Life in Piteket Sesonggan

More than just beautiful words, sesonggan is a form of traditional Balinese oral literature that preserves advice, counsel, and life wisdom. It is a type of basita paribasa derived from the word “ungguh,” which means “to sit,” “place,” or “to dwell.” With the addition of the “-an” suffix and quicker pronunciation, the term sesonggan emerged, symbolizing harmony, shared destiny, and alignment.

Each expression in sesonggan is crafted to be easily remembered while subtly conveying moral values, ethics, and local wisdom. It is no surprise that sesonggan remains alive in everyday conversations, serving as a bridge between entertainment, education, and ancestral tradition.

Liep-Liep Lipi Gadang, AI Illustration  (Source: Private Collection)

One example is “Liep-Liep Lipi Gadang". This sesonggan carries the message that people should not be easily swayed by outward appearances or first impressions. Just like a large layer that looks grand on the outside, a person or a situation may be very different beneath the surface. By understanding this message, we are reminded to judge everything wisely, not merely by what is visible on the surface.

Taluh Apit Batu, AI Illustration  (Source: Private Collection)

Another example is “Taluh Apit Batu", a Balinese proverb or sesonggan that describes someone caught in a dangerous or trapped situation, where the position is extremely difficult and critical. This expression is used to illustrate that every action taken in such circumstances carries the risk of causing harm or leading to bigger problems. The message teaches us the values of patience, caution, and clear thinking before taking action, especially when facing challenging situations.

Ada Andus Ada Apine, AI Illustration  (Source: Private Collection)

There is also the sesonggan “Ada andus ada apine”, which teaches people to be wise in filtering news and information. This expression means that not all news is true, and every truth must be supported by evidence. Just as there is “smoke” (andus), there must also be a “fire” (apine) that causes it. This sesonggan serves as a reminder not to believe things too easily, but to seek explanation or proof behind any information before accepting it.

Kuluk Ngongkong Tuara Ngutgut, AI Illustration (Source: Private Collection)

"Kuluk Ngongkong Tuara Ngutgut" is a Balinese sesonggan that reminds us of the importance of harmony between words and actions. This expression describes someone who talks without taking real action. Like a dog that barks but doesn’t bite, such a person may seem to give a lot of advice or make promises, yet in reality, does nothing. The message of this sesonggan teaches that words should always be accompanied by deeds, as the value of speech only matters when matched with real action.

Other Balinese sesonggan also contain wise messages about caution and awareness in acting. "Ngelidin Sema Nepukin Setra" illustrates a situation where someone tries to avoid one danger but unexpectedly encounters another. "Ngajahin Bebek Ngelangi" emphasizes that giving advice to someone already skilled is useless, like teaching a duck that already knows how to swim. "Blakas Mangan di Pisaga" portrays the reality that having diligent and capable children doesn’t necessarily make household life easier, as sometimes their abilities cannot be fully utilized at home. 

Ngerebutin Balung Tan Paisi, AI Illustration (Source: Private Collection)

Moreover, sesonggan also teach wisdom in decision-making and managing what one possesses. "Ngutang Kandik Nuduk Jaum" reminds us not to abandon something big for something small and trivial. "Ngentungang Uyah ke Pasih" emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need, not to those who already have enough. "Gede Ombak Gede Angin" teaches life balance, that the bigger the income, the greater the responsibility and expenses that must be managed wisely. "Ngerebutin Balung Tan Paisi" is a Balinese sesonggan illustrating the behavior of someone who fights or competes for something that is actually useless.

There are still many other sesonggan rich in meaning and containing valuable life lessons. Each expression carries local wisdom, offers insights, and guides one to act wisely in various situations. Therefore, it is important to preserve Balinese culture and language, so that the heritage of ancestral advice is not lost to time.

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References

• Darma Putra, I. Nyoman & I. A. (2019, May). Mendulang Mutiara Kata: Identifikasi dan Intertekstualitas. Jurnal Seni Budaya, 34.
• Sanjaya, P. (2021, March). Hindu Financial Education in Balinese Sesonggan. STAHN Mpu Kuturan Singaraja, 5(14).
• Kusumeina Binhana, S.Pd. (2022). Modul Ajar Paribasa Bali Menengah Kejuruan Kelas X.