similar to the Jinns of the Arabs.  Lakshmi survives in the female genius believed even by rigid Mohammedans to preside over the cultivation of rice and the somewhat disreputable sect known as Santri Birahis are said to adore devas and the forces of nature.[451] Less obvious, but more important as more deeply affecting the national character, is the tendency towards mysticism and asceticism.  What is known as ngelmoe[452] plays a considerable part in the religious life of the modern Javanese.  The word is simply the Arabic ’ilm (or knowledge) used in the sense of secret science.  It sometimes signifies mere magic but the higher forms of it, such as the ngelmoe peling, are said to teach that the contemplative life is the way to the knowledge of God and the attainment of supernatural powers.  With such ngelmoe is often connected a belief in metempsychosis, in the illusory nature of the world, and in the efficacy of regulating the breath.  Asceticism is still known under the name of tapa and it is said that there are many recluses who live on alms and spend their time in meditation.  The affinity of all this to Indian religion is obvious, although the Javanese have no idea that it is in any way incompatible with orthodox Islam.

Indian religion, which in Java is represented merely by the influence of the past on the present, is not dead in Bali[453] where, though much mixed with aboriginal superstitions, it is still a distinct and national faith, able to hold its own against Mohammedanism and Christianity.[454]

The island of Bali is divided from the east coast of Java only by a narrow strait but the inhabitants possess certain characters of their own.  They are more robust in build, their language is distinct from Javanese though belonging to the same group, and even the alphabet presents idiosyncrasies.  Their laws, social institutions, customs and calendar show many peculiarities, explicable on the supposition that they have preserved the ancient usages of pre-Mohammedan Java.  At present the population is divided into the Bali-Agas or aborigines and the Wong Madjapahit who profess to have immigrated from that kingdom.  The Chinese references[455] to Bali seem uncertain but, if accepted, indicate that it was known in the middle ages as a religious centre.  It was probably a colony and dependency of Madjapahit and when Madjapahit fell it became a refuge for those who were not willing to accept Islam.

Caste is still a social institution in Bali, five classes being recognized, namely Brahmans, Kshatriyas (Satriyas), Vaisyas (Visias), Sudras and Parias.  These distinctions are rigidly observed and though intermarriage (which in former times was often punished with death) is now permitted, the offspring are not recognized as belonging to the caste of the superior parent.  The bodies of the dead are burned and Sati, which was formerly frequent, is believed still to take place in noble families.  Pork is the only meat used and, as in other Hindu countries, oxen are never slaughtered.