Samsara Living Museum: A Soul’s Journey Through the Cycle of Time, Merging with the Perfection of the Universe

Samsara, a term resonating from ancient teachings, describes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth a never-ending cycle in which the human soul transitions from one life to another, bound by unyielding karma. Underpinning this concept is the belief that the life we lead today is the consequence of the steps we have taken in the past.

The museum is not merely an exhibition space; it is a portal to a spiritual dimension. Each ritual, philosophy, and tradition of the Balinese Hindus is beautifully etched in galleries that exude a traditional ambiance, teaching us to appreciate the meaningful journey of life from the very moment a soul enters the world to the time it reunites with Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Upon entering the Samsara Living Museum, visitors are greeted by a salutation that resonates not only in the ears but also penetrates the soul "Om Swastyastu..." a sacred prayer that echoes in our hearts, reminding us that every step taken in this place is part of a meditation on life itself. This museum was born from a deep concern over the tide of modernization that threatens Bali's traditional heritage a heritage increasingly fading in the eyes of younger generations captivated by the allure of contemporary times.

Samsara Wellness Procession (Source: Author's Collection)

The museum's structure harmonizes with its natural surroundings, not in opulence, but in a beautiful simplicity. A stretch of lush gardens surrounded by forests and hills seems to embrace the traditional buildings scattered across the grounds. Ida Bagus Agung Gunarthawa, one of the Co-Founders, explains that this simplicity is intentionally designed to make the museum feel like an organic part of nature-not merely a place, but the beginning of a journey into the depths of the soul.

Samsara Living Museum symbolizes the philosophy of the "circle of life" that infuses every aspect of Balinese Hindu beliefs. Beginning from the sacred moment in the womb, each phase of human life is traced with reverence, culminating in a return to the Creator in eternal perfection. The museum presents 14 life cycles, framed in rituals and meaningful symbols, from Ngrujak to Atma Wedana, with each ritual carrying deep significance regarding the spiritual journey of Hindus in Bali.

Gallery Of The Life Cycle Of Hindus in Bali (Source: Author's Collection)

In its early stages, Ngrujak is a ceremony filled with prayers and hopes, performed for expectant mothers to ensure a strong and healthy pregnancy. Various fruits such as bananas, pomegranates, and mangoes are offered in this ritual as symbols of fertility, life, and sustainability. After the baby is born, the Nanem Ari-ari ceremony takes place, during which the placenta, regarded as the spiritual sibling of the baby, is purified and buried in the yard, serving as a guardian for the sacred new life.

Each stage of life in Bali is marked by rituals rich in spiritual meaning. From Magedong-gedongan, a prayer for pregnant women, to Metatah, the tooth-filing ritual that signifies the transition into adulthood. When one journeys through life and ultimately departs from this mortal realm, the Pengabenan ceremony guides the soul toward liberation, culminating in the Atma Wedana ceremony, which reunites the Atma with the Almighty.

Paon or Traditional Kitchen (Source: Author's Collection)

However, the Samsara Living Museum does not merely lead us to spiritual contemplation. After experiencing the educational rituals of life, visitors are invited into the paon, a traditional Balinese kitchen that comes alive with every tool in use. Here, we do not just observe; we are invited to partake. The warm aroma of Balinese coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the sparks from the wood-burning stove, while traditional lak-lak snacks are served as a symbol of simple hospitality imbued with ancient wisdom.

Interestingly, this paon is not merely a cooking space. The act of squatting low while cooking in a traditional kitchen is part of yoga—a movement that prepares the body for childbirth. This philosophy intertwines physical and spiritual life in a gentle yet profound manner, as if every movement is a silent prayer.

In addition to the paon, the museum offers the experience of witnessing the process of making arak Bali, from the collection of coconut sap to distillation, ultimately packaged with local wisdom. Karangasem, with its natural wealth, showcases its cultural heritage through arak, palm sugar, salt, and various local products displayed in this museum—serving as a reminder that life in Bali is inseparable from the nature that bestows its riches.

As we stroll through the museum, we encounter small bale structures scattered across the green courtyard. In one bale, women diligently prepare offerings of canang sari, symbols of purity and respect for the deities. In another bale, some individuals inscribe ancient scripts on lontar leaves an enduring literacy heritage amidst the shadows of modernity. Here, under the shade of lush trees, we feel the tranquility of traditional Balinese life that continues to breathe to this day.

Priest With Visitor (Source: Author's Collection)

More than just a tourist attraction, the Samsara Living Museum is a living educational space, where Balinese culture and traditions are preserved for future generations. Every corner teaches us to reflect on the meaning of life, our relationship with nature, and with God. This museum, while simple, offers an invaluable experience whether through cooking workshops, arak-making, traditional dances, or Samsara Wellness, a purification ritual with holy water believed to bring balance to the soul.

Ultimately, the Samsara Living Museum transcends being just a place; it is a memorable journey of the soul that invites every visitor to contemplate the meaning of life with every step. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM WITA, with an entrance fee of IDR 100,000 per person, the museum awaits anyone wishing to experience the depth of Bali, not only with their eyes but also with their hearts. Visits can be arranged through the official website at samsarabali.com for an experience that truly resonates with the universe.