The Balinese Door

Did you notice that the doors to most homes in Bali are relatively small. Often when you step in you will also face a small wall. Behind the wall a landscaped garden awaits you be it a big or small one. Even if a house is located along a busy street, once inside you feel like you are in a different world away from the hustle and bustle. Serenity is restored almost immediately as if you are coming home to your real self. Here you can discard your mask and your armour. You will get this experience when you stay at smallish boutique or back packer hotels in Bali.

Yesterday I heard over podcast an interview with Kofi Annan. When asked how he juggled his life  between family and his job as UN Secretary-General, he talked about trying his best practice to work hard for the "larger world" on week days and keeping weekends for his "smaller world". His "smaller world" which includes his wife and family provided the support which was so crucial especially at times when the UN effort seemed so fruitless in some countries' political strifes and killings. His mention of the 2 worlds prompted my recollection of images of the Bali doors. These Balinese are so clever in trying to build ambiences and atmosphere which facilitate and nurture the connection to one's inner world.

Apparently the wall is called "aling-aling" and its traditional goal is really to stop demons from entering the house.  If you think about it, from a psychological and mental point of view isn't that also relevant to us. I mean it will be good to  have  a wall to stop demonic thoughts from raking our minds, the common ones being desire, fear, doubt and anger. Both Gautama Buddha and Jesus Christ had to overcome such thoughts and emotions (often termed as temptations) before being freed from their fetters and achieving enlightenment. As we straddle between our outer and inner  worlds we have to leave the door opened to things happening outside; but at the same time we need a wall to filter non beneficial or unskillful ideas and emotions so that the serenity in our inner courtyard can be maintained always to welcome us home.