Managing Wind and Fire

Some Remarks from a Case Study on Kaḷarippayaṟṟụ

Abstract

Throughout its development, the Keralan body practice kaḷarippayaṟṟụ has been characterised by various visions among the masters (gurukkaḷ) regarding the practice itself and its relationship to other Indian practices. Based on a case study, this chapter discusses some technical aspects and underlying principles of kaḷarippayaṟṟụ according to the understanding of a specific master. At first, it addresses the changes that this master made in the repertoire of exercises in order to reflect his views on the relationship between kaḷarippayaṟṟụ and yoga. In the second part, it concerns more generally the underlying principles of kaḷarippayaṟṟụ.