Tri Hita Karana: The Three Perspectives of Well-being and Prosperity in Life

All great religions and beliefs are related to the integration of the individual into the space Divinity - Humanity - Nature. Christianity specifies this repeatedly.

In the Modern Mystery School we say that the individual is connected to the Energy of Divinity, the Energy of the common Consciousness of Humanity and the Energy of Nature.

I really like and appreciate the concept - a 'sub-religion' of Balinese Hinduism.

Tri Hita Karana is a deeply rooted Balinese philosophical concept that emphasizes balance and harmony between the three essential relationships in life: the divine, humanity, and nature. In Sanskrit, Tri means “three,” Hita means “well-being” or “prosperity,” and Karana means “cause” or “way.” Together, they create a holistic framework for achieving happiness, peace, and prosperity. The philosophy promotes harmony between spiritual, social, and natural realms, ensuring a balanced existence. These three principles are:

1. Parahyangan – Harmony with the divine
2. Pawongan – Harmony among people
3. Palemahan – Harmony with nature

When these three are in balance, peace and prosperity follow. If one is disrupted, imbalance and disharmony can ensue, negatively impacting both individuals and communities.

1. Parahyangan – Harmony with the Divine

The first pillar of Tri Hita Karana, Parahyangan, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection with the divine. In Balinese Hinduism, the relationship between humans and the spiritual world is central to daily life. Balinese people believe that everything in the world, whether living or non-living, is imbued with a divine energy, and it is through this connection that one finds protection, prosperity, and balance.

This connection is maintained through daily rituals known as upacara. Balinese people make offerings called canang sari, composed of flowers, rice, and incense, which are placed in temples, at home altars, and public spaces like markets or workplaces. These offerings serve as acts of gratitude to the gods and a plea for blessings and protection. The act of offering is not just a religious ritual but a way to acknowledge the sacredness of life and the interconnectedness between the divine and the mundane.

Temples and Rituals

Balinese people participate in religious ceremonies both at family shrines and in larger community temples, known as pura. Every aspect of life, from births and weddings to agricultural cycles, is accompanied by specific rituals aimed at maintaining balance with the spiritual realm. Through these practices, individuals and communities not only stay in harmony with the gods but also reinforce social bonds, creating unity through shared beliefs and ceremonies.

The Parahyangan concept also involves respecting sacred time and space. Festivals and temple offerings are carried out in alignment with wuku, a Balinese calendar system of sacred days. Balinese believe that following these cycles of divine time ensures good fortune and spiritual well-being.

2. Pawongan – Harmony Among People

Pawongan, the second pillar, focuses on maintaining harmony among humans. It highlights the importance of social relations and the well-being of the community. The Balinese see their community as an extended family, where cooperation, respect, and mutual support are paramount. This social structure is held together through a traditional governance system called banjar.

In a banjar, community members meet regularly to discuss local affairs, make decisions, and offer help during significant life events, such as weddings or funerals. Participation in community ceremonies and volunteer work is seen as a moral duty, ensuring the well-being of all members. The idea behind Pawongan is that personal success is intertwined with the success of the community, and only by helping others can one thrive.

Gotong Royong: Mutual Cooperation

A significant aspect of Pawongan is the concept of gotong royong, or collective cooperation. Whether it’s building a house, harvesting crops, or organizing a festival, members of the community come together to support one another, reinforcing social bonds and promoting a spirit of solidarity. Pawongan stresses that individual well-being cannot exist in isolation from the community’s well-being.

This cooperative spirit is also seen in the traditional Subak system, where farmers collaborate to manage water resources fairly. The distribution of water, an essential element in rice cultivation, is managed collectively, ensuring that each farmer receives an equitable share, thereby maintaining both social justice and respect for nature.

3. Palemahan – Harmony with Nature

Palemahan, the third principle, stresses the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. For the Balinese, nature is not just a resource to be exploited but a sacred entity filled with spirits and divine energies. Balinese people believe that respecting nature and its resources ensures both material prosperity and spiritual balance.

One of the most famous examples of Palemahan is the Subak system, a traditional method of rice field irrigation. This system, managed by the community, distributes water equitably among farmers, balancing human needs with the natural flow of water. The system is designed not only to maximize agricultural productivity but also to honor the sacredness of water, which is considered a divine gift. Misuse or wastage of water is believed to disrupt the balance with nature and can lead to natural disasters.

Tri Mandala: Space and Balance

The principle of Palemahan also extends to the way spaces are organized. In Balinese architecture, the concept of tri mandala is applied, which divides spaces into sacred, semi-sacred, and profane areas. Sacred spaces, such as temples and altars, are elevated or placed in locations that protect them from mundane activities, while homes and agricultural lands are situated in less sacred spaces. This spatial hierarchy ensures that human activity remains in harmony with nature and the divine.

To honor nature, Balinese communities also perform rituals dedicated to natural elements, such as the Tumpek Uduh ceremony, where offerings are made to trees and plants to give thanks for their produce. These rituals help maintain the balance between human activity and the natural environment, ensuring that nature continues to provide for the community without being depleted.

Tri Hita Karana in Modern Context: Sustainable Development

As Bali continues to modernize and attract millions of tourists each year, the principles of Tri Hita Karana have evolved into a guiding philosophy for sustainable development. The Balinese use this framework to balance economic growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. By promoting harmony between the divine, people, and nature, Tri Hita Karana serves as a blueprint for a sustainable future.

In tourism, for instance, eco-friendly resorts follow the principles of Tri Hita Karana by ensuring that their construction respects the environment, their operations benefit the local community, and they honor Balinese spiritual customs. Such resorts may use renewable energy, source materials locally, and promote cultural tourism, allowing visitors to experience Balinese traditions while minimizing their environmental footprint.

International organizations have recognized Tri Hita Karana as a model for sustainable development. At the Tri Hita Karana Forum for People, Planet, and Prosperity held by the United Nations, the philosophy was embraced as a framework for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum explored how economic development can be balanced with social equity and environmental conservation, much like the Tri Hita Karana principles that have sustained Balinese communities for centuries.

Tri Hita Karana in Daily Life

For the Balinese, Tri Hita Karana is more than just a philosophy or ancient wisdom—it is a lived reality, influencing every aspect of their daily lives. From the simplest acts of offering to grand community celebrations, the three principles permeate all activities. They form the foundation for how Balinese people interact with one another, with nature, and with the divine.

Parahyangan in Daily Life

The practice of Parahyangan manifests in the daily offerings, or canang sari, placed in homes, businesses, and temples. These small but meaningful acts of devotion are central to maintaining a connection with the spiritual world. Every day, Balinese people create these offerings as expressions of gratitude to the gods and to ask for protection and blessings.

Throughout the day, prayers and rituals are performed at family temples, known as pura, and larger community temples. These rituals serve to keep the spiritual realm in balance with the physical world, ensuring the flow of divine energy and blessings. Major ceremonies, such as Galungan or Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence), are held to cleanse the spirit and renew the community’s connection to the divine.

Pawongan in Daily Life

In Pawongan, relationships within the community are seen as extensions of the family unit. The banjar system ensures that everyone contributes to the community’s well-being, whether through labor, financial support, or participation in ceremonies. Gotong royong, or collective work, is an essential part of this principle, where neighbors help each other build homes, organize festivals, or solve communal issues.

Family respect, especially for elders and community leaders, is central to Pawongan. Decisions affecting the community are made collectively and with respect for traditional wisdom, ensuring that both young and old contribute to the common good. This spirit of cooperation and mutual support builds strong social bonds, reinforcing the fabric of Balinese society.

Palemahan in Daily Life

For the Balinese, living in harmony with nature is paramount. Their traditional Subak system of rice farming is not only a method of agricultural production but also a way to honor and protect natural resources. By working collectively to distribute water fairly, Balinese farmers ensure that no one is deprived, and that nature’s gifts are respected.

In daily life, Balinese homes are designed to reflect the balance between humans and nature. Gardens are cultivated with care, and the placement of buildings follows tri mandala principles, ensuring that the sacred is preserved while human activities coexist with the natural environment. Environmental rituals, such as those performed during Tumpek Uduh, offer thanks to the spirits of trees and plants, asking for continued abundance and protection.

So, Tri Hita Karana is a Model for Life

Tri Hita Karana is not just a cultural philosophy; it is a holistic way of life that permeates every aspect of Balinese existence. Whether through maintaining a spiritual connection with the divine, fostering harmonious relationships within the community, or preserving the balance with nature, this ancient wisdom provides a framework for living in peace, prosperity, and well-being.

In a world facing environmental challenges, social upheaval, and rapid modernization, the principles of Tri Hita Karana offer a timeless solution for building a more sustainable and harmonious future. By adopting these principles in our daily lives, we can foster a deeper connection with the world around us, ensure the well-being of future generations, and live in greater harmony with ourselves, our communities, and the planet.