The Secret to Balinese Happiness: Living the Three Pillars of Tri Hita Karana
If you’ve ever stepped off a plane in Denpasar, you’ve likely felt it—a shift in the air that goes beyond the tropical humidity. There is a profound sense of peace, a rhythmic pulse of gratitude, and a feeling that everything is exactly where it belongs.
In Bali, this isn’t an accident. It is the result of a centuries-old philosophy called Tri Hita Karana.
Derived from the Sanskrit words Tri (three), Hita (happiness/wellbeing), and Karana (cause), this "Triple Cause of Prosperity" is the blueprint for the Balinese way of life. At Drishti Journeys, we believe this philosophy is the ultimate extension of our yoga practice—taking our "union" off the mat and into the world.
The Three Pillars of Harmony
To the Balinese, happiness isn't a destination; it’s a state of equilibrium. When we are in harmony with the Divine, our community, and the Earth, we find our "Inner Compass."
1. Parahyangan: Harmony with the Divine
This is the vertical connection. In Bali, you see it in the daily Canang Sari (flower offerings) placed on every doorstep. It is the acknowledgement that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.
On the Mat: This is our Svadhyaya (self-study) and meditation. It’s the moment we quiet the ego to listen to the soul.
The Lesson: Cultivate a daily ritual of gratitude, however small.
2. Pawongan: Harmony with Community
Bali is a culture of "we," not "I." Whether it’s a village ceremony or a shared harvest, the Balinese prioritize the collective. This pillar teaches us that our well-being is intrinsically tied to the well-being of those around us.
On the Mat: This is the Sangha—our community of fellow practitioners. It’s practicing kindness (Ahimsa) in our speech and actions toward others.
The Lesson: Look for ways to serve. Happiness grows when it is shared.
3. Palemahan: Harmony with Nature
The Balinese believe the Earth is a living, breathing entity. From the sacred volcanic peaks of Mount Agung to the lush rice terraces of Sidemen, nature is treated with reverence. We don't own the land; we are its guardians.
On the Mat: This is grounding. It’s realizing that our breath is the same air that moves through the trees.
The Lesson: Step outside. Minimize your footprint. Treat the Earth as you would treat your own body.
The Modern Disconnect and What We Actually Need…
In our fast-paced, digital-first world, it is easy to live in isolation and separation. We might focus intensely on our physical health (nature) while neglecting our spiritual hunger (divine), or spend our days "connected" via screens while feeling deeply isolated from our neighbors (community).
When these three pillars are out of alignment, we experience what the Balinese call a lack of equilibrium. We feel burnt out, anxious, or adrift.
The Ritual of Presence and Bringing Bali Home
Perhaps the greatest lesson we learn from our Balinese friends is that harmony is a verb. It is not something you "achieve" and then check off a list. It is something you create, over and over again, through small, intentional rituals.
The beauty of Tri Hita Karana is that you don’t have to be in a Balinese temple to practice it.
You can begin wherever you are:
1. Spirit: Light a candle each morning and set one intention.
2. Humanity: Call a friend to listen, or perform a random act of kindness.
3. Nature: Take a walk without your phone. Feel the soil or the grass beneath your feet.
By witnessing the devotion of the Balinese people—the way they sweep their courtyards with care, the way they bow to a stranger, or the way they honor the water that cleanses them—we are reminded that every act can be an act of yoga.
When we align our movement with our breath and our intentions with our actions, we aren't just "doing" yoga; we are living Tri Hita Karana.
Experience the Awakening
At Drishti Journeys, we don’t just visit Bali; we immerse ourselves in its wisdom. On our Bali Authentic Awakening Retreat, we walk through these three pillars daily—visiting ancient water temples, sharing meals with local families, and practicing yoga with the backdrop of Bali's highest holy mountain, Mount Agung.
Are you ready to find your balance?
The magic of Bali is waiting for you. Join our next Bali Authentic Awakening retreat and step into a world of ritual, community, and deep peace.
Space is limited to ensure an intimate, soulful experience for every guest.
See you on the Island of Gods - Bali.