Providing instruction to the children and youth of Pengosekan has been the primary goal of Sanggar Cudamani for twenty-five years. While rooted in the conviction that gamelan and dance are a powerful means of developing spiritual discipline, Directors Dewa Putu Berata, Dewa Rai and Emiko Susilo also understand the critical social role the arts can play particularly for youth in a rapidly modernizi
ng world. In the past twelve years Çudamani Summer Institute has extended their educational reach by bringing hundreds of international students to their village Sanggar.
“Do Something With Your Whole Heart”
Çudamani means “focus.” It means “do something with your whole heart without expecting something in return.” When we were given the name Çudamani by our mentor, Pak Ketut Kodi we were told that “Çudamani” is the third eye of Shiva. The name, which also means the jewel on the head of a priest, is much loved by our artists and students. It reminds us of our responsibility, our strength, of the generosity that has nurtured us as artists and people, and which we must, in turn, expect from ourselves.
Çudamani strives to perform and teach at the highest levels of artistry, worthy of a growing international reputation and yet remains equally committed to the children, youth, elders and master artists that are the heart of our community in Bali. Currently we have 225 young people studying gamelan and dance under the masterful guidance of a team of 12 teachers. As a non-profit program the group does not perform for tourists and depends on individual tax deductible contributions- Thank you
