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Hey hey everyone!
I want to start by saying that I performed this ritual under the guidance of a guide and that I am by no means an expert nor am I religiously affiliated. So, I don’t mean to offend anyone if I performed the ritual in any way that doesn’t fit the historical or religiously sacred traditions. This is just my brief, yet profound, personal experience. Thank you for reading!
Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is a water temple considered to be sacred by the Balinese Hindu community. The temple was built around several holy springs which are said to have been created by The God Indra, an ancient Hindu god known as the King of the Heavens. It is believed The God Indra blessed the water, purifying those who bathe there.
I participated in the purification ritual which consists of entering two purification pools that house multiple water spouts that gush out water sourced from the holy spring. The purification ritual consists of participants visiting each of the water spouts (a few water spouts are skipped as they are for the dead and prohibited to be used by the living).
At first, I was hesitant to participate in the ritual because I am not Hindu or even religious for that matter. I admitted my hesitation to our Balinese guide and his response was,
“That’s okay, just respect the ritual and follow the steps. If you allow yourself to be open to the process you may be surprised with the results.” He couldn’t have been more right.
The purification ritual is a four-step process that is done under each of the water sprouts.
Step 1. Cleanse the mouth by taking in the water 3 times
Step 2. Cleanse the face by washing the face 3 times
Step 3. Cleanse the head by washing the top of the head 3 times
Step 4. Cleanse the body by submerging the body 3 times
In addition to those four steps a small prayer is said in the beginning and the end of the process for each of the water spouts. Again, since I am not religious, I was at first resistant with the idea of doing a prayer. However, when I found myself getting ready to start the process, a mantra popped into my head that I used throughout the entire purification ritual.
“Be Strong. Be Good. Be Healthy”
To my immense delight and surprise this simple mantra had a profoundly powerful effect on me. It gave the ritual a more direct meaning and for the rest of the day I felt lighter, more purposeful with my day.
The Mantra
What the mantra means to me:
Be Strong.
Strength is needed in every facet of life. Having a strong body allows me to physically achieve each of the Project 30 marathons. But there’s more than just the physical dimension of strength. I need the strength to be courageous, to be honest, and to live life on my own terms. Without the strength in my convictions, I would crumble and succumb to a life that I don’t believe would be worthwhile to experience.
Be Good.
I struggle at times with this and I do fail many many times, but it is a North Star for me. I want to be directionally as good as I can be to all that I meet and spend my life with. Being good to myself and those around me brings about an elevated life for all involved. Which, in turn, I believe brings a more joyous and purposeful life.
Be Healthy.
A healthy mind and body are paramount for a purpose filled life. Project 30 is a yearlong journey putting immense stress on my body and mind with each run. Stretching and dedicated recovery time are absolute necessities as I continue to push myself sustainably with each run. Similarly, careful examination and nursing of my mental health allows me to challenge myself further with deeper wells of willpower, grit and determination that I can draw from. My intention for Project 30, and my many years ahead, is to strive to take care of my mental and physical health so that I can attempt bolder journeys down the road.
Thank you for reading!
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Keep pushing & much love!
-Dylan