The Sacred Art of Leak: Mystical Transformation from Monkey to Golden Bade
Liak, a Balinese ancestral heritage that is often misunderstood by the wider community, is actually a spiritual meditation art that is thousands of years old. This ancient practice uses sacred letters as a medium to achieve the highest consciousness and deep understanding of the nature of life. This practice has three characteristics: satwika (goodness), rajasika (ego), and tamasika (darkness).
Amidst the circulating negative stigma, it is important to understand that Liak is not merely black magic as often portrayed in popular stories. The essence of Liak lies in the placement of sacred letters within the human body, a practice that enables one to transcend ordinary physical and mental limitations. Like any form of knowledge, Liak is neutral - similar to a knife that can be used to cut vegetables or to inflict harm.
Its power and influence entirely depend on the practitioner's intention and wisdom. In Balinese tradition, this practice can lead to three natures: satwika (virtue), rajasika (ego-driven desires), or tamasika (darkness). In Balinese tradition, Liak has several levels that reflect one's spiritual achievement, ranging from the basic level to the highest level known as Bade Emas. However, these levels are not specifically explained in the pengleakan manuscripts due to their highly secretive nature and closure from the outside world.
Leak Bojog (Source : Author Collection)
Leak Bojog or monkey Leak: This type of Leak cannot harm humans directly, but rather frightens people who see it, characterized by its appearance as a pitch-black monkey that instills fear in anyone who witnesses it.
Leak Bawi (Source : Author Collection)
Leak Bawi or Pig Leak: This type of Leak also cannot harm humans directly. It appears in the form of a pig that is larger than ordinary pigs, making it very difficult to distinguish from real animals. However, this pig-formed Leak typically performs its rituals around graveyards.