Galungan: the real meaning of Victory

So, today is the Galungan Day in Bali, where the Hindu believers on the Island of Paradise celebrate the victory of good over evil. I am, of course, not in Bali, hence I could not absorb the enjoyment of Galungan typically experienced by Balinese and other inhabitants of the island.

I don't regret it, though. I mean, I have to be here, in the sunny day of Townsville (an atypical day, considering the pouring down rainfall for the last two weeks), trying to write my thesis (oops!). But I actually miss the fragrance of incense mixed with frangipani and other offerings... the sound of the gamelan... and the crowds. Yes, the godawful crowds that sometimes think more of the suckling pigs than the meaning of victory. Yes... that's the truth. Sometimes, like many people might forget what Christmas really means beyond the glittering trees and presents... the Balinese sometimes forget the real meaning of victory.

Okay, for a student like me, victory might mean achieving scholarship and research funding (!), submitting my review in-time and with considerable quality... not procrastinating with blogs and fanfictions when you're supposed to write a chapter (oops! - seems I am still defeated here...)... conducting your research in timely manner, etc.

But the true meaning of victory for me is the victory over oneself. Over one's greediness, laziness (ahem!), anger, jealousy, prejudice... those negative things that makes you unhappy. That makes the world unhappy. For, as Buddha, Krishna, Dalai Lama, Anand Krishna, Mother Theresa, etc say (yes, 'say', present tense), peace and happiness is found within. And it can only be found by overcoming those negative feelings and walking the journey within.

That is the true personal victory for me.

Well, if I can submit my translation this afternoon to my friend, that is yet another victory to be celebrated!

Pic: Galungan Penjor in Bali. I miss that sight...