Ever wondered how Hindu Civilizational knowledge and wisdom can supercharge your dance? Dive deep into a transformative journey where deep cultural roots ignite your artistic brilliance!
The Hidden Rhythm: The Secret Link Between Hindu Civilization and Your Art
Have you ever reflected on the profound ways our cultural roots shape our artistic expression? Have you paused to think if understanding Hindu civilization can genuinely elevate our practice as classical dancers? As an artist, traditioner, and lifelong seeker born into a deeply rooted artistic lineage, these questions always intrigued me.
From the moment I first opened my eyes, the Universe had graciously set me on a journey. Born into a lineage of tradition-bearers, I was privileged to observe the performing arts industry from the profound vantage point of the Gurukul system. The wisdom passed down through generations didn’t just influence how I perceived art—it sculpted my very being. With a family deeply aligned with Dharma, my initiation into the spiritual and artistic dimensions of life began early, creating a foundation rich with purpose and clarity.
Yet, throughout life, several questions lingered—questions about rituals, cultural nuances, and Dharmic practices. Often, immediate answers were elusive, but I trusted our ancestral wisdom and waited patiently, believing deeply that revelations come to those who wait and seek earnestly. This patience was strongly rewarded when, advised by one of my mentors, Dr. Rajshri Vasudevan, I embraced a life-elevating opportunity: the Certificate in Hindu Civilizational Studies from Hindu University of America under the mentorship of Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. Hema Hari.
Why, as an established classical dancer, did I passionately dive into this program? Simply put—because artistry flourishes profoundly when deeply rooted in cultural and civilizational awareness.
One trimester plunged us into the profound exploration of the creation of Gods and the Universe as per Vedic wisdom,prompting compelling reflections like: Did Gods create the Universe, or did they emerge from it? If this thought sparks your curiosity even slightly, exploring such questions through structured learning can be immensely rewarding. Discover more at Bharat Gyan.
Understanding Bhārata-Varśa’s geography and history reshaped my comprehension of India’s unparalleled diversity. It illuminated how geography shapes not just lifestyle but thought processes—an insight critical for performers who interpret complex cultural narratives on stage. This is very important, especially for Indian Classical Dancers as one can understand how the societies’ consciousnesses evolve as self-sustaining models and how these influence the regional lifestyle and preferences and thereby the Dēśi (regional) dance forms. During Chennai’s celebration of India’s G20 Presidency (2023), I had the honour of performing in “Vasudhaiva Kuṭuṁbakaṁ,” an array of thematic dance presentations conceptualized by one of my Gurus, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. For this, personal clarity about Dharma—drawn directly from the course’s teachings—enabled me to translate profound ethical and spiritual truths through my performance.
The course further deepened my understanding of our Hindu pantheon, cosmology, societal structures, and cultural rhythms. As an artist interpreting compositions of our Vākgēyakārās, grasping these deeper philosophies was very vital. Knowing the intricate reasoning behind festivals, rituals, and societal customs enriched my interpretations, enabling performances that were authentically transformative, resonating deeply with audiences.
As I reflect upon my Bharatanatyam studies (via BFA and MFA) at SASTRA University, Thanjavur as a parallel, I had come to a realization that that exploring history’s vast canvas—from dynasties and kingdoms to global trade and scientific advancements—is pivotal in understanding our rich artistic heritage. This course complemented that academic exploration profoundly, especially the fascinating “Big5” trimester exploring Hindu contributions to global civilization, trade, and cultural influence.
Bharatā’s Nāṭya Śāstra beautifully encapsulates life’s dualities as “Sukha-Dukkha Samanvita.” As taught to me by my father (and Guru) Sri P. Vijaya Bharani Shenkar, Dance isn’t mere entertainment—it’s a potent medium for philosophical reflection, ethical awakening, and spiritual upliftment. My parents(and prime Gurus) consistently emphasized this, guiding me to understand life’s nuanced interplay of joy and sorrow, to efficiently reflect the same through the communication of my dance on stage, to ultimately inspire and escalate the audience toward elevated consciousness.
Imagine interpreting the post-colonial transformations or historical contexts through dance without a comprehensive grasp of civilizational evolution—impossible, right?! Precise understanding of timelines, Yuga theories, and the context of the Hindu calendar in comparison with the western, empowers us to accurately portray our artistic narratives and contexts. Such undercurrents, often uncared for by most artistes today, are extremely crucial to help one bridge the gaps in understanding the links between Indian history, consciousness and Wisdom and to develop a great affinity and love towards the same.
Sure, knowledge today is abundantly available online. But the course offers something unique—a curated, contextualized experience delivered by dedicated scholars passionately decoding Hindu civilization’s nuances. Their dedication, digital integration, and meticulous curation are nothing short of remarkable and provide clarity and context otherwise elusive.
As I reflect deeply on this incredible journey, my heart races with gratitude and awe. It’s a realization that transcends mere academic achievement or professional enhancement; it is a profound ‘internal transformation’—a vibrant awakening of the soul! This journey ignited within me a deeper sense of purpose, that allowed my performances to resonate with heightened authenticity, and fuel an unstoppable passion to share these transformative insights through dance. When artists root themselves profoundly in their civilizational heritage, their art transcends mere performance—it breathes more life, stirs souls, and echoes timeless wisdom, becoming an eternal source of inspiration. I’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you feel Hindu Civilizational Studies are integral to your practice as an Indian Classical Dance Practitioner? Have you had similar experiences or revelations in your artistic journey? Share your insights—I genuinely look forward to reading them!
Let’s enrich our art through deeper understanding, and together, celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our civilization!
PS: The author is a graduate of HUA’s Certificate Program in Civilizational Studies Program and first published this blog here.
