Photo by @johnstanmeyer | Volcano spirituality is connected to all aspects of Indonesia’s culture and faiths. While researching the subject for a National Geographic article, I spoke with anthropologists, shamans, and local Balinese journalists, including my friend and assistant Tilik Wayan, whose father was a bit of a mystic himself. I learned about the temple on Mount Agung, in Bali’s Besakih village. The Balinese believe that spirits reside in this volcano.
During a Melasti (purification) ceremony on Petitenget Beach, participants turn their backs to Agung—the most sacred active volcano on Bali—and enter into a trance. Some press with all their might a sharp dagger into their chests (sometimes their heads). Having lived in Bali for more than five years, I've witnessed many trances involving daggers and never saw anyone puncture skin. It’s considered a blessing to go so deep into a trance, a level of spirituality not to be feared. To see more of my work, please follow @johnstanmeyer. #bali#indonesia#Petitenget#melasti#trance#dagger#IslandOfTheSpirits#stanmeyerinbali#VolcanoGods