Watch Stephen Lansing: Perfect Order: A Thousand Years in Bali

Stephen Lansing: Perfect Order: A Thousand Years in Bali is a documentary film by director David H. Jones that explores the social and cultural practices of the Balinese people. Stephen Lansing, an anthropologist and expert on Balinese culture, is the narrator and guide through this journey, taking viewers on a fascinating and immersive tour of Bali's history, traditions, and way of life.

The film is shot in stunning high-definition, which allows viewers to fully appreciate the beauty of the Balinese landscape and people. The cinematography captures everything from the intricately carved temples to the lush, green jungles and serene beaches. The documentary also features various interviews with Balinese locals who share their insights and experiences about their culture, religious beliefs, and way of life.

The film's central focus is on the traditional concept of "perfect order," which is the foundation of Balinese culture. Perfect order refers to the idea that society functions best when all of its components are in balance with one another - from the individual to the community, to the spirits and deities that are believed to inhabit the natural world. It is said that when perfect order is achieved, harmony and prosperity are attained.

Stephen Lansing is the perfect guide through this exploration of perfect order, as he has spent over 30 years studying the Balinese culture and is considered one of the world's leading experts on the subject. Through his narration and interviews with local Balinese people, he reveals the ways in which the Balinese maintain this delicate balance of perfect order through their daily lives, rituals, and traditions.

The documentary begins by setting the context of Bali's unique history and geography. An archipelago of islands that sits between Java and Lombok in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali has long been a crossroads of different cultures and religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam have all played a role in shaping Bali's history and culture, and their influences are evident in the art, architecture, and religious practices of the island.

Lansing then delves into the key components of perfect order, starting with the importance of individual spiritual practice. Balinese Hinduism is a syncretic religion that combines elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and traditional animist beliefs. It is characterized by a complex system of rituals and offerings that are performed to appease the gods and maintain balance in the natural world. Lansing explains the significance of these rituals and their role in maintaining perfect order, as well as the importance of the Balinese belief in reincarnation.

Lansing then moves on to discuss the concept of community, which is a vital part of Balinese culture. The Balinese have a highly organized system of social and cultural institutions that are designed to promote social harmony and ensure that everyone has a role to play in society. Lansing visits a number of village communities and explores the intricate social networks that exist within them. He also examines the role of the caste system in Balinese society and how it has evolved over time.

The documentary also explores the ways in which the Balinese protect and maintain their natural environment. With its unique blend of mountains, jungles, and beaches, Bali is an ecologically diverse and fragile ecosystem. The Balinese have developed a deep respect and symbiotic relationship with the natural world, using traditional agricultural practices and water management systems that prioritize sustainability and conservation. Lansing visits a number of villages and discusses the importance of these practices with local farmers and environmental activists.

Overall, Stephen Lansing: Perfect Order: A Thousand Years in Bali provides a fascinating window into one of the world's most unique and complex cultures. With its stunning visuals, insightful interviews, and engaging narration by Stephen Lansing, this documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in anthropology, world religions, or cultural studies. Whether you're an avid traveler or armchair explorer, this film is sure to inspire and amaze.