List of posts

  • Lord Hayagreeva – An Indian perspective through Budo, of the “Year of the Horse”

    This year is the “Year of the Fire Horse”. In Hindu culture, the Horse represents knowledge, as symbolized by Lord Hayagreeva. Let’s explore the link between the horse and knowledge in Hindu culture.

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  • The New 8-fold Path

    The New 8-fold Path

    We are going through a time when military conflicts or the potential for the same seem to be ubiquitous. In this conflict-ridden world, the Ashtha Siddhi seems a good substitute for the 8-fold path.

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  • Celebrate the Weapons!

    Celebrate the Weapons!

    The Republic Day is when India displays some of its formidable and latest weapon systems. This seems like a good occasion to appreciate weapons from the days of old.

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  • The Bujinkan, as I see it – Series 2, Part 1 (of 5)

    I am back to documenting what I know of the Bujinkan system of martial arts. This post is the first in a series of 5, where I look at what I think are the “non-physical” aspects of the Bujinkan and other martial arts. In this post I try to understand how the historicity of an…

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  • Devi Ambika and the Kiai

    Devi Ambika and the Kiai

    The Kiai is a burst of sound trained as a part of many martial arts. I opine that this is what Devi Ambika used to destroy the Asura Dhumralochana. Let’s explore the concept and practice of the Kiai through this story.

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  • The Bones of the Vajra

    The Bones of the Vajra

    The Vajra is the weapon associated with Indra, King of the Devas. The Vajra is supposed to be made from the backbone of Rishi Dadichi. I think this is literally possible. With 3D printing, this aspect can be explored. Read on for more.

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  • Onake Obavva and Jojutsu

    Onake Obavva and Jojutsu

    Onake Obavva is a symbol of courage, loyalty and sacrifice for the people of Karnataka. The “Onake” in her name is a pestle used historically in many parts of India. In this article I explore how Jojutsu could be an analogue to understanding the humble Onake as a weapon.

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  • Kantāra and the Loris at war! 😊

    The recently released movie, “Kantāra: A Legend – Chapter 1”, depicted the use of the Loris as a weapon of war! This is the only instance I know of where a Loris has a starring role. 🙂 So, let’s explore the example of a Loris in the martial arts.

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  • Weapons of the Dikhpālakās (Guardians of the Directions)

    Hindu culture depicts a Guardian Deity for each of the 10 Directions. Each Guardian is associated with a weapon. In this post we see possible depictions of each of these weapons.

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  • Asura Planet

    Asura Planet

    Asuras, despite being reduced to being villains in modern pop culture, were innovative, resilient and demonstrated great perseverance in all the stories. Are we Humans not similar to the Asuras in the way we are treating each other and the natural world?

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