Stories about finding your heart and soul around the world.

Filtering by Tag: ceremony

Emerging from a Trance: The Oracles of Matho Monastery in Ladakh

Added on March 5, 2017 by Jessica Yurasek.

I'm squished shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowd of native Tibetan Ladakhi people, packed neatly next to fellow onlookers. We are all patiently waiting to hear a mystical proclamation about the future. Today, of all days, two oracles—Tibetan monks who have been meditating in an isolated trance for the past year—will emerge from their stillness in order to predict the future of the village.

Colorful empty offering platters found at a temple near Ubud

Spirit, ritual & dance in Bali

Added on November 20, 2012 by Jessica Yurasek.

Part of the reason I find Bali so beautiful, besides the typical appeal of all things tropical (daily fresh mangos anyone?), is that the Balinese practice of Hinduism permeates almost all aspects of life.

Bali is an anomaly in Indonesia since the island remains almost entirely Hindu in a predominantly Muslim country. Their practice of religious ritual has such beautiful manifestations and follows a rich, artistic tradition. I see it everywhere. From the countless temples to the small backyard shrines, every house or building has a sacred structure designed to honor the many spirits of the island. That even includes gas stations and 7-11s!