Aesthetic in Diversity: Exploring the Interplay of

Hinduism and Art in the Rich Cultural Tapestry of

Indonesia
MERRY FRANCISKA SALIM 1120898
Before I begin the presentation, I would like to apologize to my
friends and professor. Due to limitations in using Mandarin, I
will present in English. I will strive to learn Mandarin more
diligently.
Thank you.

在我開始演講之前，我想向我的朋友和教授致以歉意。由
於使用普通話的限制，我將以英語進行演講。我將努力更
加用心學習普通話。
謝謝。
Introduction
Indonesia is a diverse society with a multitude of variations in terms of religion, ethnicity, culture, race, and customs that become rituals
for its followers. The presence of such social diversity adds colors to life, leading to the emergence of harmony. Indonesia has thousands
of islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, practicing various religions, both universal religions and local beliefs that have long been
embraced by the people of the archipelago before the arrival of universal religions in Indonesia. This reality serves as evidence that
Indonesian society is pluralistic, not only in physical terms but also in terms of islands, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs.

印尼是一個多元的社會，擁有豐富的宗教、種族、文化、種族和風俗的變化，成為其追隨者的儀式。
這種社會多樣性的存在為生活增添了色彩，導致了和諧的出現。印度尼西亞擁有數千個島嶼和數百個
民族群體，信仰各種宗教，既有普世宗教也有長期在印度尼西亞群島上的人們信奉的本土信仰。這個
現實是印尼社會多元化的證明，不僅在物理層面上，而且在島嶼、民族、宗教和信仰方面也是如此。

In Indonesia, there are six officially recognized religions 在印度尼西亞，有六種正式認可的宗教 :

1. Islam 伊斯蘭教
2. Protestant Christianity 基督教新教
3. Catholic Christianity 天主教基督教
4. Hinduism 印度教
5. Buddhism 佛教
6. Confucianism 儒教
CHAPTER 1: BALINESE ART & RITUAL （峇里島藝術與儀式）

The classical Indonesian visual arts of old exhibit fundamental characteristics: pluralism, continuity, and
unity. The pluralistic nature of Indonesian visual arts is attributed to the geographical conditions of the
archipelago, composed of islands separated by seas and straits.
Indonesia is a diverse country with various religions, each bringing its own culture. Indonesia, being a strategic
trade area, including maritime routes, saw the influence of Hinduism from India spreading across the region.
The presence of Hinduism, characterized by tolerance, was embraced by the Balinese people known for their
flexible, selective, and creative personality. The predominantly Hindu island of Bali integrated with Balinese
culture, making it challenging to separate religion from culture.

古老的印尼視覺藝術展示了基本的特徵：多元主義、連續性和統一性。印尼視覺藝術的多元
主義特性歸因於群島地區的地理條件，由海洋和海峽分隔的島嶼組成。
印尼是一個擁有各種宗教的多元文化國家。由於其戰略貿易地區的地理條件，包括海上航路，
印度教從印度傳播到該地區。由於寬容的特徵，印度教的存在被峇里島人所接受，他們以靈
活、選擇性和創造性的個性而聞名。峇里島，一個主要信奉印度教的島嶼，融入了峇里島文
化，使宗教和文化難以分開。
Religion and art are two closely related aspects, and many believe that art and religion form a complete unity.
However, religion and art each have their own positions, with religion holding a more noble status than art. Yet,
both have a close relationship in human life. Art is the capability of the human mind, whether it involves
spiritual or physical activities, to produce something [artistic] that profoundly stirs emotions. Meanwhile,
religion is a system that governs the principles of faith [belief and worship of God] and the rules related to
human interaction with their environment.
宗教和藝術是兩個密切相關的方面，許多人認為藝術和宗教構成了完整的統一體。然而，宗教和藝術各
自有其獨立的位置，宗教在其中擁有比藝術更崇高的地位。然而，它們在人類生活中存在著密切的關係。
藝術是人類思維的一種能力，無論涉及精神或物理活動，都能產生深深觸動情感的作品。同時，宗教是
一種管理信仰原則（對上帝的信仰和崇拜）以及與人類與環境互動相關的規則的系統。

In terms of ideology, the relationship between art and Hindu religious activities in Bali is a unity within the
belief in the Hindu God Shiva. In general, art includes sculpture, architecture, vocal arts, music, and dance. The
close connection between the aesthetic values of Balinese society and Hinduism makes Hinduism in Bali appear
vibrant and beautiful, rather than dry. This is expected to shape the souls of Hindu followers to be refined and
peaceful.
在意識形態上，峇裡島上藝術與印度教宗教活動之間的關係是在對印度教神靈濕婆的信仰中形成了一種
統一。整體而言，藝術包括雕塑、建築、聲樂、音樂和舞蹈。峇裡島社會美學價值與印度教之間的密切
關係使得峇裡島上的印度教顯得充滿活力與美麗，而非單調乏味。這被期望能夠塑造印度教信徒的靈魂，
使其變得高貴而寧靜。
Without aesthetics, humans would lack emotions, and life would become sterile. The connection between
humans and beauty is so profound that scholars like Petrarch and Erasmus recognized humans as the center of
everything, highlighting their creative, rational, and aesthetic abilities. According to them, a good life involves
developing human sensory, intellectual, and aesthetic capabilities.
沒有美感，人類將缺乏情感，生活將變得貧乏乏味。人類與美的連結是如此深刻，以至於學者如彼特拉
克和伊拉斯謨將人類視為萬物的中心，強調他們的創造性、理性和美學能力。根據他們的觀點，良好的
生活包括發展人類的感官、智力和美學能力。
In the perspective of Hinduism in Bali, art is universal and synonymous with the religious life of the
community, holding a fundamental position. Adherents can express their beliefs in the Almighty.
Consequently, many forms of art are associated with specific worship or serve as complements to such worship.
In the realm of dance, sacred or ceremonial dances are performed as part of certain rituals or ceremonies, and
these dances are usually consecrated. Their sanctity is evident in the careful selection of equipment, which must
not be used arbitrarily. The sacred nature also extends to the dancers themselves; for instance, a dancer of
Rejang or Sang Hyang must be young, unmarried, and not menstruating.
在巴厘岛印度教的视角中，艺术是普遍存在的，与社区的宗教生活是同义的，具有基本的地位。信徒可
以通过艺术表达他们对全能者的信仰。因此，许多形式的艺术与特定的崇拜相关或作为对这种崇拜的补
充。在舞蹈领域，一些神圣或仪式性的舞蹈是在特定的仪式或庆典中表演的，这些舞蹈通常是受过祝圣
的。它们的神圣性在设备的精心选择中得以体现，这些设备不能随意使用。这种神圣性也延伸到舞者本
身；例如， Rejang 或 Sang Hyang 的舞者必须年轻、未婚且没有月经。
CHAPTER 2: AESTHETIC ELEMENTS OF HINDUISM ON
INDONESIAN ARTS （印度教对印度尼西亚艺术的审美元
素）
Aesthetic activies, according to Zong Baihua [ 宗白华 ], represent a way for individuals to communicate with
the world and to create a harmonious interplay of scenes and emotions, ultimately leading to the realm of art
and beauty.
根據宗白華的觀點，美學活動代表了個體與世界溝通的一種方式，創造了場景和情感的和諧互動，最終
引導人們進入藝術和美的領域。

Hinduism plays a crucial role in the development of Balinese cultural art by actively participating in various
forms of mythology and consecrating it through ceremonies and offerings. Art inspired by Hindu teachings
serves as a religious teaching medium, imparting profound philosophical and ethical values.
印度教透過積極參與各種神話形式並透過儀式和奉獻來神聖化，在巴厘島文化藝術的發展中扮演著至關
重要的角色。受到印度教教導啟發的藝術作為宗教教學的媒介，傳遞深刻的哲學和倫理價值。
The artistic expressions in Bali are deeply rooted in Hindu religious beliefs, setting them apart from the
predominant Islamic culture found in other parts of Indonesia. Artists draw inspiration from the natural
surroundings, village life, and narratives derived from Hindu epics and local tales. Balinese art not only captures
the external world but also serves as a medium to forge a connection between art and life.
峇裡島的藝術表現深深植根於印度教的宗教信仰，使它們與印尼其他地區的主要伊斯蘭文化有所區別。
藝術家從自然環境、村莊生活以及源自印度教史詩和當地故事的敘述中汲取靈感。峇裡藝術不僅捕捉外
在世界，也作為一種媒介，促使藝術與生活建立連結。
ARCHITECTURAL ( 建築 )
A Hinduism significantly influences Balinese art and
architecture, notably in temples (pura) designed
according to Hindu principles. Traditional houses and
ceremonial buildings undergo consecration
ceremonies, imbuing them with life and functionality
in society. Renovation decisions are made carefully,
reflecting the belief that a building is not just a shelter
but a living entity with a specific purpose. The temple
layout follows the Tri Mandala concept, consisting of
outer, middle, and holiest zones, adorned with intricate
carvings, statues, and paintings depicting Hindu deities
and mythological stories.

印度教在峇裡藝術和建築中發揮了重要影響，
尤其在根據印度教原則設計的寺廟（普拉）方
面。傳統房屋和儀式性建築經歷了神聖的祝聖
儀式，賦予它們在社會中的生命和功能。對於
整修的決定要謹慎考慮，反映了建築不僅是庇
護所，也是有特定目的的生命體。寺廟佈局遵
循三曼達拉（ Tri Mandala ）概念，包括外部、
中部和最神聖的區域，裝飾著複雜的雕刻、雕
像和描繪印度教神靈和神話故事的繪畫。
Pura Beji, Pura Goa Lawah Klungkung , Pura Goa Gajah
PERFORMING
ARTS 表演藝術
Balinese dance and performances, such as Legong
and Barong, are rooted in Hindu mythological
stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These
performances serve both entertainment and
collective religious and cultural purposes. Balinese
culture emphasizes maintaining a harmonious
relationship with nature, driving the preservation
and development of traditional music and dance
forms.
峇裡島的舞蹈和表演，如萊貢（ Legong ）和巴
隆 （ Barong ） ， 根 植 於 《 羅 摩 衍 那 》
（ Ramayana ） 和 《 摩 訶 婆 羅 多 》
（ Mahabharata ）等印度教神話故事。這些表
演既用於娛樂，又在宗教和文化上具有集體的
目的。峇裡島文化強調與自然保持和諧關係，
推動傳統音樂和舞蹈形式的保護和發展 .

https://youtu.be/g5O8gnQh5Po?si=pGO2ptUMGR7qUzoK
 Sculpture 雕塑
Indonesia-Hindu sculpture is integral to building
structures, utilizing traditional techniques
reflecting Hindu/Buddhist cultural traditions.
Wall decorations on temples incorporate relief
carvings depicting decorative impressions
influenced by indigenous Indonesian art. The use
of relief carvings creates a dense decorative
effect, avoiding empty spaces. The symbolic
nature of the artwork is emphasized over realistic
impressions, with materials diversifying beyond
stone to include terracotta, metal, and wood.
印尼印度教雕塑對建築結構至關重要，採用
反映印度教 / 佛教文化傳統的傳統技術。寺廟
的牆壁裝飾包括浮雕雕刻，描繪受原住民印
尼藝術影響的裝飾效果。浮雕雕刻的使用產
生了濃密的裝飾效果，避免了空白處。強調
藝術品的象徵性質而不是現實印象，材料不
僅限於石頭，還包括陶土、金屬和木材。

https://youtu.be/m4vbYNx-bgk?si=6hXBjxbhjmPiXc1X
Sculpture on Pura (Hinduism
Temple)

Pura （印度教寺庙）上的雕塑
 PAINTING 繪畫
The creation process of traditional Balinese painting
involves experiences, observations, and interviews
with Balinese artists, and it generally does not follow
a brief or swift procedure. The creation process can
take days or even weeks due to several stages that
need to be undertaken to bring the painting to life.
Unlike modern paintings, Balinese traditional painting
still adheres to traditional techniques, which are
preserved as its distinctive characteristics. However,
on some occasions, there has been a fusion of modern
and traditional techniques, without fundamentally
altering the concept and visualization of traditional
Balinese paintings.
傳統巴厘島繪畫的創作過程涉及與巴厘島藝術家
的經驗、觀察和訪談，並且通常不是一個簡短或
迅速的過程。創作過程可能需要數天甚至數週，
因為需要進行多個階段才能使繪畫栩栩如生。與
現代繪畫不同，峇裡島傳統繪畫仍然堅持使用傳
統技巧，這些技巧被保留為其獨特的特徵。然而，
在某些情況下，現代和傳統技術之間發生了融合，
而不會在根本上改變傳統巴厘島繪畫的概念和視
覺化。

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1usly5CxULGLD8CaVsKXa70ubX
NKQL9iX/view?usp=sharing
CHAPTER 3: Comparative Analysis with Traditional India Art 與傳統印度藝
術的比較分析
Balinese painting, characterized by the "Kamasan" style, is distinguished by intricate fine lines, detailed patterns, and a two-
dimensional perspective. Balinese artists utilize natural pigments and traditional brushes crafted from natural materials. The
themes of traditional Balinese paintings often revolve around Hindu mythological narratives, local legends, and glimpses of
everyday life. The vibrant colors and meticulous details within these paintings serve as a visual testament to the island's rich
cultural and religious influences.
In contrast, Traditional Indian painting, especially within the context of Hindu art, encompasses themes rooted in Hindu
mythology, drawing inspiration from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and featuring depictions of various gods and
goddesses. Indian art often embraces a spiritual and symbolic interpretation of the world. Techniques such as miniature
painting are prevalent, demanding precision and intricate details, utilizing mineral and vegetable-based pigments. Different
regions within India showcase distinct painting styles, such as Tanjore painting in South India.
峇裡畫，以「卡瑪山」風格為特色，以複雜的細線、精細的圖案和二維透視為特點。峇裡藝術家使用天然顏料和由
天然材料製成的傳統畫筆。傳統巴厘繪畫的主題通常圍繞著印度教神話敘事、當地傳說和日常生活的片段。這些畫
作中鮮豔的色彩和精心雕琢的細節是對島嶼豐富的文化和宗教影響的視覺證明。
相較之下，特別是在印度藝術背景下，傳統的印度繪畫涵蓋了根植於印度教神話的主題，從《羅摩衍那》和《摩訶
婆羅多》等史詩中汲取靈感，並描繪了各種神祇形象。印度藝術往往採用一種對世界的精神和象徵性的詮釋。微型
繪畫等技術普遍存在，要求精確和複雜的細節，並使用礦物和植物基礎的顏料。印度的不同地區展示了獨特的繪畫
風格，如南印度的坦賈夫爾繪畫。
 Kamasan ( 巴厘島 ) Tanjore （印度）

In terms of materials, Balinese paintings utilize natural pigments sourced from minerals and plants, often complemented by
canvases made from traditional materials that reflect a deep connection to the natural environment. Conversely, Traditional
Indian paintings incorporate materials like natural pigments, gold leaf, and specialized paper or cloth surfaces. The choice of
materials in Indian paintings may vary based on specific styles and regional preferences.
在材料方面，峇裡島繪畫使用從礦物和植物中提取的天然顏料，通常搭配由傳統材料製成的畫布，反映了與自然環
境的深刻聯繫。相較之下，傳統印度繪畫採用天然顏料、金箔和專用紙張或布料表面的材料。印度繪畫中的材料選
擇可能根據具體風格和地區偏好而有所不同。
CONCLUSION 結論
The aesthetic elements of Hinduism on Indonesian arts have been explored, emphasizing the role of
art as a medium for communication and the creation of harmonious interplays of scenes and
emotions. Hinduism's active participation in various forms of mythology and its consecration
through ceremonies have significantly influenced Balinese cultural art, serving as a medium for
religious teachings and imparting profound philosophical and ethical values.

印度教對印尼藝術的審美元素進行了探討，強調了藝術作為溝通媒介和創造場景與情感和諧
交融的角色。印度教透過各種神話形式的積極參與，以及透過儀式的祝聖，對峇裡島文化藝
術產生了重大影響，成為宗教教學的媒介，傳達深刻的哲學和倫理價值。
Thank You!
感謝！