The concept of the Tri Hita Karana (The Three Paths To Paradise) outlines the three basic tenets by which the Balinese Hindus are asked to live:
First is Pawongan- respect for humanity and compassion for others
Second is Palemahan- live in harmony with nature and respect for the environment
Third is parahyangan- remember that all of your actions have a subsequent reaction (Karma)

This simple yet extraordinarily beautiful system of belief sends ripples through the culture here making the Balinese people some of the most loving, graceful and considerate beings I have encountered yet. However there are always exceptions (stereotypes are limiting beliefs whether negative or positive). Since ariving here I have noticed that of the three principles outlined above, Palemahan (respect for the environment) largely seems to be on the back burner unless a specific holiday calls attention to honoring mother earth. If you keep your eyes open you will notice the makeshift village landfill sites by the river's edge, the burning piles of plastic after the sun sets and the ubiquitous candy wrappers that litter even the most remote jungle trails.

As a teacher at an orphanage/charity school I am in a unique position to influnce young children who will one day bear the responsibility of cleaning up the mess made by older generations. After learning of the concept of Palemahan, I realized quickly that unlike many developing nations, Bali has a cultural precedent for ecological awareness built into the very foundation of the dominant religion. What luck!

I decided to reinforce the concept of Palemahan through a series of art projects involving painting and recyled materials sculpture. The first phase of the project was to construct paper-mache fish out of recycled newspaper and cardboard. After finding that the fish were a raging success with the kids, I embarked on the painting project. Through a step by step process the children created paintings that depicted two oposing panels: on one side was a very sad fish swiming in poluted river, on the other side was a happy fish swiming in a clean river. The word Palemahan was then written on the painting. Tommorow's class will involve hanging the paintings throughout the village where the adults can see them, followed by a swim and trash pick up in the local river.

Next week I have new class so I'm thinking that the plan will involve making paper-mache birds out of plastic water bottles and something to the effect of sad birds painted among the fumes of burning plastic bottles. Followed by bird watching perhaps?...

With my hope restored by the limitless potential of children, I am lit up. I cannot express my unending gratitude to my greatest teachers.

Thanks kids for recieving the download with open arms. I love you.

Bless,
Star