#Kalari 107
The spiritual aspect of Kalaripayattu
(Kalidas J Sreenivas)
A significant component of Kalaripayattu is spirituality. Like the majority of martial arts, kalaripayattu includes a large spiritual component that forms the cornerstone of all of its teachings. The respect shown for the gods, instructors, lineage, and the planet is ingrained in the moral and ethical framework of the art and is part of the everyday practice of practitioners.
The primary justification for human beings on earth, according to the Dhanurveda, which is where kalaripayattu is first described, is to discover the purpose of life. In terms of thinking ability, humans are clearly unique from other animals, and this ability provides us the freedom to reflect on everything we encounter. According to Indian mythology, discovering the eternal reality of a person's soul's existence is the ultimate goal of a life. Humankind possesses the everlasting awareness, or God, and it is up to us to recognise it. The human being receives the necessary training and understanding from Kalaripayattu to achieve this aim.
The student enters the kalari with their right foot, touches the soil with their Ajna (third eye) chakra, and then their Anahata (heart) chakra. Following these motions, a circular hand striking method is used to thank and accept the benefits of the universe as well as to salute the Earth Mother and accept her favor. The learner next moves toward the Puthara altar, which has seven tiers and represents the seven chakras. The Third Eye and Heart Chakras are then touched after touching the altar once more. The training is finished by a repetition of this technique. This teaches the prospective learner the appropriate spiritual perspective and respect required to forge a bond.
Tradition and ritual are used in the Kalaripayattu language to commemorate the beginning of knowledge acquisition, or vidyarambham. Vidyarambam denotes the beginning of a new art, practice, or stage of a practice, such as learning a new weapon. Even though individuals can begin their rituals at any time of the year, Vijayadeshami, the yearly day of Kalari pooja (offering) honoring the goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura, is the most auspicious time to do so. On this day, pooja is done to all weapons. Only when a practice is initiated on Vijayadashami is it regarded to be called Vidyarambam. Depending on the Malayalam lunar calendar, Vijayadeshami is celebrated just once a year in September or October. Although it features a variety of artistic forms,
Before teaching the more advanced (and risky) combat tactics, the Gurukkal must be confident that the pupil would never abuse the information entrusted to them and that they have a deep and true connection. The pupil must first bring dakshina, a particular kind of gift, to their gurukkal and gain their blessing before they can begin practicing a new weapon.
An areca nut, three betel leaves that represent Brahmi, Visnu, and Shiva (the three major Hindu gods of creation, birth, upkeep, and destruction, respectively), and some cash often make up the dakshina. Additionally, fruits may be a part of the menu. The gurukkal strokes the pupil's head to acknowledge and bless him after the student has offered him the dakshina and touched his feet. The training can then start. The dakshina is a custom from ancient India that was employed for all knowledge transmission, not just in kalaripayattu. The dakshina is required to begin any new level.
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