Tumpek Landep
Prohibiting People from War,
Maintaining the “Purity” of Technology

People around the world are shocked because of the war between the United States and Iraq. They are adverse to travel and worried about their journey. However, if you are traveling to Bali today, you will see exotic Bali different from the ordinary days. You have to alleviate your doubts and fears when you are in Bali on April.

n Saturday, April 19 2003, the Balinese will celebrate “Tumpek Landep” the day when people grant offerings to “technology products” which are made from iron and other metals, for example vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, engines, computers, televisions, radios, knives, daggers, spears and hoes.
Do not be surprised. You will see cars and motorcycles come down the road adorned with the season (offerings) and Janeiro (young coconut leaves) ornaments only found in this ‘Paradise Island’. The Balinese call these ornaments cinema, sampian gantung, tamiang and kolem. All these represent the Balinese thanks to their God who gives them the ability to create such sophisticated technology and an easier life. This sophisticated technology should be applied in the right terms through the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy (harmony of life between God, Humanity and Nature).
That is why all the equipment, mainly the equipment that consists of iron, steel, gold and bronze, has to be blessed to preserve its sanctity so that it can be used often without destroying nature. The farmers will maintain their farming tools such as the plough, hoe, sickle, knife, axe and kinds of weapon such as the dagger, spear, gun and arrow. The Balinese pande (the blacksmith) also offer their tools as a wish for world safety.
In line with the technological development, the Balinese own farming tools and household utensils that are made of iron, for instance vehicles, bicycles, TV, radios and so on. The Balinese who are involved in the printing production also hold the “Tumpek Landep” ceremony.
It is not only the equipment physically that should be preserved but also its religious significance (niskala) This particular offerings day is carried out every 210 days on Sabtu Kliwon (Saturday) at Wuku Landep (the second wuku of 30 wukus.) The ceremony asks Sanghyang Pasupati (one of the manifestations of the god Ida Sanghyang Widi) for his blessing for these things.
Further, the meaning of “Tumpek Landep” is for our clarity and sharpness of thought and also to maintain our inner power used. Bhagawan Wawaruci (the holy priest) stated in the Sarasamuscaya holy book that the Balinese have to develop their ways of thinking by learning the sciences. The reason is that of all creatures only human beings have the astuteness. “Use it to free you from the Samsara (suffering) and reincarnation” Bhagawan said.
Technically, the ”Tumpek Landep” implementation is stated in Sudarigama holy book. The form of sacrifice in “Tumpek Landep” is tumpeng putih kuning (a cone of steamed rice in yellow and white) completed with sate (roast meat), terasi (shrimp paste), leaves and fruits all in 29 tanding (group) and presented in Sanggah Merajan (family temple). The offering for Sanghyang Pasupati is a kind of sesayut pasupati (giving soul), sesayut jayeng perang, sesayut kusuma yudha, banten suci, daksina, peras, ajuman, canang wangi, reresik or pebersitan (purity) The offering ceremony of the “Tumpek Landep” is according to economic background of the Balinese. Usually, a rich family will commemorate “Tumpek Landep” by making the lawar (chopped meat) and babi guling (suckling pig)
Environment al destruction, wars (such as the current one between the United States and Iraq) would not happen if the universal meaning of ‘Tumpek Landep” were practiced by all people around the world. The idea of spreading the “peace maker” spirits through “Tumpek Landep” is appropriate in creating universal serenity.
You have to come to Bali when the island celebrates “Tumpek Landep”. You will feel the peace and purity and the expert use of technology. Tumpek Landep exemplifies the Balinese character of living in peace and best using technology so as not to destroy nature.
We hope that following this “Tumpek Landep”, the United States and Iraq war will soon be over and people around the world will live in peace and harmony.

Celebrate "Tumpek Landep" in Bali

If you are in Bali for ‘Tumpek Landep’, it is a good idea to travel around the villages or to visit the pande (black smith) houses in Bali. You can visit owners of all kinds of weapons and factories which use engines or other iron tools. This ceremony starts from daybreak until late, following the preparation of the ceremony. It is common for offices or factories (which use engines in their production) to hold ‘Tumpek Landep’ during working hours. The workers wear Balinese costumes as it is a time for prayer.

You can also visit the village of Celuk in Sukawati, about 5 kilometers east of Denpasar or the village of Kamasan in Klungkung is another alternative. This village is approximately 3 kilometers south of Kertagosa and 55 kilometers from Denpasar. Both villages have many pande (black smiths) producing many kinds of handicrafts and ornaments such as; dulang, bokor (the offerings under a layer of silver), jewelry e.g. rings, bracelet and much more.
Another place to visit is Batubulan Kangin. There you can find a lot of pande activities, such as making farming tools, or you could even visit Tihingan in Klungkung, about 5 kilometers south west of Semarapura. The village of Tihingan produces gongs or gamelan (Balinese orchestra) such as Gong Kebyar, Semarapegulingan, and Angklung which is made of browns. “This is our livelihood,’ said Wayan Muliana, a famous pande from Tihingan.
If you happen to be in Karangasem, you should visit Sukahet in Sidemen, located about 58 kilometers from Denpasar. There you can find villagers working hard to menyepuh (repair) iron tools such as: knives, hoes and other household utensils.
For your own comfort and further information, you should hire a guide who is knowledgeable about Balinese culture.

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