Intertextual and Semiotic Analysis of Theological Concepts in Old Balinese Inscriptions: A Theo-Epigraphic Study

This study explores the theological concepts embedded in Old Balinese inscriptions through a theo-epigraphic approach, combining intertextual and semiotic analyses. The research focuses on inscriptions from the 8th to 11th centuries, written in Pra-Nagari and Old Balinese scripts, which reflect the syncretic religious landscape of early Bali, blending indigenous animistic beliefs with Hinduism and Buddhism. Despite extensive scholarly work on these inscriptions, the theological dimensions have been largely overlooked. This study addresses this gap by examining key theological concepts such as *dharmā*, *nirvāṇa/mokṣa*, and *saṅkanparaniŋ dumadi*, and their symbolic representations in the inscriptions. The findings reveal a dynamic interplay between local ancestral worship and external religious influences, highlighting how these inscriptions served as intertextual documents that preserved and reinterpreted theological ideas. The semiotic analysis uncovers the symbolic meanings of scripts and texts, emphasizing their role in conveying religious and political authority. The study also identifies the continuity of pre-Hindu traditions, such as ancestor worship and nature veneration, within the framework of Hinduism and Buddhism. By integrating theological inquiry with epigraphic analysis, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the religious and cultural exchanges that shaped early Balinese society, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of Balinese cultural heritage. The findings offer insights into the broader academic discourse on religious syncretism and the adaptation of external influences in local contexts.