THE OLDEST TREE IN BALI

Miracles do exist. And so they do on Bali, the Island of the Gods, a popular exotic destination that has been sung by numerous world vagabonds, troubadours and wandering poets, from the sixteenth century to the moment we live in.

But there is something even older and more ancient than the sketches and writings of Western colonialists and artists who set out on a journey to this archipelago many decades ago, in search of spices, inspiration, or an escape from civilization.

That is the Spirit of Bali itself, of which a living witness, as well as its manifestation, is a single solitary tree over 65 meters high, and at least 700 years old. Standing tall and proud, it symbolizes what Bali essentially represents: an ancient culture and way of life filled with gratitude and wisdom. A culture that has managed to retain its values and essence despite many centuries of wars, colonialism, and despite external influences such as globalization and mass tourism hysteria.

In Bali, there is a sacred concept of thought, called Sekala and Niskala, the belief that everything that exists has both a visible, material (Sekala), and an invisible (Niskala) component.

There is also something called Taksu, which could be translated as ‘inspiration’ (being filled with spirit), ‘spiritual charisma’, or ‘divine spark’ that gives something tangible, perceivable by senses an authentic presence.

You can be quite skilled at something, for example cooking. But if you cook ‘without love’, your action has no Taksu, because it is devoid of spirit, or spiritual intention.

From the very first time you stand in front of this tree, you will feel its extraordinary magic. Something that is close to your Soul, that it recognizes and remembers, even though your dual, analytical mind has no idea about it. And this is exactly what the Balinese call Taksu. An intangible, omnipresent reality that goes beyond, transcending this apparent, changing and transient world, registered by our ‘lower mind’, or ego.

In a metaphorical sense, this tree represents SUSTAINABILITY. Its rich roots remind us to remain grounded, and its wide, tall branches that we need to rise above our surroundings as well as our own internalized judgments, not through ambition, competition and ‘ego-flaunting’, but through connection with the Source, or God, with our own authentic purpose and spiritual essence. What metaphysics sometimes refers to as ‘the longing of being’. The longing to REMEMBER…OURSELVES. And who we truly are.

This giant tree is therefore a sort of PORTAL, through which we are given a view of a more purposeful path and way of life. A path on which you will not learn or discover anything new. You will only REMEMBER what you have probably FORGOTTEN due to living inside an attached, dual mind or ‘Matrix’.

IMAGE GALLERY

Photos by: Tino Nazif

HOW DID WE FIND OUT ABOUT THIS TREE?

The tree became better known to the general public in Bali thanks to Alina Fazleeva, a Russian influencer who was photographed naked by her own husband on this tree which to Balinese is sacred.

Although the photos were fine art nudes, this incident, de facto a sacrilage, caused the wrath of the Balinese and quite a scandal on social media.

Dressed in traditional Balinese ceremonial costumes, the couple performed a purification ritual and prayed in front of the tree, as a sign of their public apology. Despite this, they were both deported. It was in 2022.

WHERE IS THIS TREE LOCATED?

The tree is located in the small village of Gesing in Tabanan Regency.
It is included in one of our tours, along with a number of other, similarly interesting and lesser-known attractions.
Contact us via email or Instagram for more information or to book an excursion.

ABOUT THE TREE ON THE INTERNET

There is also an interesting collaborative project on the Web, initiated by Mr. Bruno Sanchez, a French citizen living in Bali.
You can find more information about this project to which you can contribute scientifically, artistically or spiritually on this link.

And here is the video: