"As had the earlier bands of Shivite Akharas developed their own rituals and fighting methods, which may be traced to the Kaplikas, while having in common a devotion to Shiva"
(Hindu Arms and Ritual)
There are three key principles which combine in Sanatan Shastar Vidiya to make it function correctly. These three principles lie at the very heart of Shastar Vidiya and distinguish it as a uniquely Indian martial art from the other great combat martial arts in the world.
- Locomotion ? Locomotion in Shastar Vidiya is achieved by maintaining one's body mass over one's own centre of gravity. Then, by 'Dolana' (spilling) one's centre of gravity in the desired direction, one attains motion as the feet follow in a measured step. In order to alter direction, one of the limbs, the head or any other part, is subtly jolted out and employed as a counter balance in mid movement. This extremely subtle spilling skill allows for far greater smoothness, agility and swiftness of movement; is difficult to articulate without demonstration. Moreover, even during filming one cannot capture its many nuances and effectiveness.
- Angling ? Instead of angling at forty five degrees (as many martial arts do), Shastar Vidiya's narrow foot base, enables a much sharper cutting of angles. The footwork too possesses a feature whereby one foot is off the ground during the spilling motions.? In combination, this results in constant misalignments and superior tactical positions - the hallmark of Shastar Vidiya.
- Generating power ? Rather than employing muscular power, solid structures, or firm grounding to generate power, it is actually generated through movement. Shastar Vidiya's power generation is achieved by an ever-flowing fluid manner by sinking one's body mass through every grab, hold, strike and cut whilst driving through with the body's kinetic energy.
The subtle integration of these three principles of locomotion, angling and generating power in Sanatan Shastar Vidiya is known as 'Shiv Shakti' (Shiva's power). Hence, at a more esoteric level, the lovers of Shastar Vidiya know their art as the love play between Shiva, and his consort Shakti. This martial principle of Shiv Shakti is also simply known as 'Parjog' (application). It is these elements of 'parjog' that underlie Sanatan Shastar Vidiya and make it work; in its purest form, they provide Shastar Vidiya with its unique dance-like characteristic when fully expressing its cultural origins. The more one advances in the art, the more sophisticated and subtle the grades of 'parjog' become; they have no finite limit.
Yet for those who possess little or no understanding of martial arts, these principles are in effect invisible. This is primarily due to the fact that they attempt to relate the locomotion, angling and power generation in Shastar Vidiya to their own (limited) understanding of body mechanics. Even experienced martial artists from across the world accustomed to Western, Far Eastern, etc. martial arts, through experiencing its effectiveness, have described Shastar Vidiya as "an exotic art". An appreciation of the unique Indian science behind its application is all that is required.
