Kathakali is a luminous dance-drama and a classical pantomime which sustains exhilarating artistic aspects such as acting, music and rhythm. The word Kathakali means story-play. Elements of Kathakali are well perceivable in the ancient rituals of Hindu temples and others places of worship.
Various folk arts of Kerala like Theyyam, Padayani, Mudiyettu, etc. have influenced the origin and developments of Kathakali, apart from classical arts like Krishnanattam (a devotional dance-drama mainly performed at the precincts of Guruvayoor temple in Kerala) and Koodiyattam (the stylized Sanskrit theatre tradition which is more than 2000 yars old). The influence of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala, is also discernible in the training exercises and movements of Kathakali…
Cultural rootedness is one of main values of education that the founder considered to be important. Only that which is firmly rooted can grow, spread and be inclusive. Unless we are culturally rooted we cannot be true global citizens.
Living in harmony with Nature has been an integral part of Indian culture. Ecological values have been intimately woven into religious practices, rituals, folklore, arts and crafts and have subtlety permeated into the daily lifestyle of the people.
An ashram is a space for intense study especially for of spiritual practices involving mind body disciplines. It is also a space for effortless living. By their very nature, ashrams are meant to be secluded, austere and silent and dotted with sacred spaces & powerful Energy Centres.
It is significant that most days of spiritual import are also occasions of celebration and festivity, for joy is the source and the end of the spiritual journey. Thus yoga saw the whole of life as a celebration.
India, one of the oldest living cultures in the world is also very rich and complex. India is home to immense cultural diversity and as such any program needs to circumscribe its scope.
Whether you are seeking a place to practice, teach an art of your choice or simply need a dwelling to focus on your personal spiritual sadhana – we at the ashram would be delighted to share the wonders of this space with you.
A large part of India is ‘rural’ and unless one addresses it and engages with it, any initiative in rural India is bound to be rootless & shallow. One can only grow from where one actually is. Being located in village Telbaila, Shaktiyogashrama too cherishes its engagement with the soil and its people.
