Harmonious Living: Lessons From A Balinese Village House

I recently had the opportunity to explore a traditional village house in my time in Bali. This experience offered a glimpse into a life structured around family, community and shared responsibilities. The Balinese village house is a testament to the power of togetherness, where multiple generations live and thrive under one roof, supporting and caring for one another.

Relmi & Silvia Damiano

Entry to a Balinese village house

The Structure and Harmony of Balinese Traditional Village Houses

A typical Balinese village house is home to several families, each contributing to the harmonious functioning of the household. These traditional houses are a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, creating homes in harmony with Balinese Hinduism's cosmic laws. Constructed as compounds, these houses separate daily functions not by rooms but by individual structures within an enclosing wall.

Unique Features of the Compound

One of the unique aspects of the Balinese village house is its layout and design. Each compound typically includes several buildings, each serving a specific purpose, such as sleeping quarters, kitchens, and family temples. The entrance to the house is distinct from the entry to the temples; the house entry has a unique roof, while temple entries do not. This architectural detail helps differentiate between the sacred and the domestic spaces.

Their temple is at the heart of the compound, a sacred space where residents pray and perform religious ceremonies. This communal approach to spirituality is central to their daily lives, with everyone participating in weddings, funerals, and other significant rituals. The layout aligns with spiritual principles, ensuring the house is in harmony with nature and the universe.

Bathrooms are strategically placed at the back of the property, away from the bedrooms. This layout is intended to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, which differs significantly from typical Western house plans where bathrooms are usually adjacent to the bedrooms.

The kitchen is a communal space, basic but functional, where family members gather to prepare meals. Its simplicity belies its importance as a focal point of family life, where daily interactions and bonding occur.

Daily Life and Responsibilities

Daily life in a Balinese village house is a well-orchestrated symphony of shared duties and mutual support. The women cook and prepare offerings, an integral task to their spiritual practices. The men prepare food on special days when offering requires more time and effort. Typically, men are occupied with manual work within the compound, contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of their living space.

The Power of Togetherness

This thoughtful way of living fosters a sense of togetherness and community within the compound. Various generations and family offspring live together, offering support to one another. In this communal living arrangement, if one family member is entrepreneurial, various tasks or roles are offered to other family members first. Even those who choose not to work in the family enterprise still play a vital role in the household, such as cooking, taking care of children, and supporting the working family members.

This sense of community and mutual support is a stark contrast to the feelings of isolation and depression that can be prevalent in many other countries. The Balinese understand the importance of social bonding, and their way of life fosters strong connections within the family and the larger community.

Community Connections

In addition to the internal workings of each family, Balinese villagers also connect with their broader community through the neighbourhood temple. These temples serve as communal gathering points, where community members come together for religious observances and social interactions. This strong sense of community ensures that everyone remains connected and supported, reinforcing the village's social fabric.

My visit to this village was an eye-opening experience, and I think it is a valuable lesson in a world where isolation and disconnection are all too common. Adopting some of these mindsets could help us improve our well-being and sense of belonging.

I am excited to invite you to experience this transformative journey for yourself at our upcoming Bali Retreat from November 4th to 8th! This retreat offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural practices of Bali, embrace mindfulness, and cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and others.