Eka Mardiys

The rapid development of technology in today's era often gives rise to deep concerns—particularly around how it affects human sensibility. As we integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies into our lives, especially artificial intelligence, we are faced with a troubling reality: the erosion of ethical boundaries, cultural values, and emotional sensitivity.

AI often transcends (or even overrides) long-established norms, raising urgent questions: To what extent can such technologies be considered beneficial to human well-being without disrupting the cultural fabric or damaging the environment?

In Balinese tradition, there exists a sacred ritual called kerawuhan, referring to the moment of “arrival” or spiritual possession during a trance. This state of trance is considered a meaningful experience—through it, divine or ancestral spirits offer guidance and insight. Unlike the spiritual clarity of kerawuhan, however, modern technological "trance" often leads humans into a kind of unconscious automation, where awareness and emotional depth are diminished.

Trance-Scedency explores this contrast: the difference between transcendence rooted in spiritual consciousness and transcendence that stems from technological dominance. In the face of accelerated innovation, we must hold onto rasa—our capacity to feel, to be aware, and to remain in harmony. Only through the cultivation of consciousness and sensibility can humanity maintain balance, even amidst unprecedented technological progress.