Gurukkal, Kalarippayattu
Encyclopedia
Gurukkal is a term used in the Malayalam language which means guru
or teacher
. Masters or teachers of yoga
and kalaripayat are usually referred to as Gurukkal. In kalaripayat the master is also called a "Kalari Gurukkal". The word is derived from the Sanskrit
word guru
and the -kkal ending indicates plurality. This is due to the practice in Malayalam of adding plural suffixes to words to indicate respect, even when only one person is being addressed or referred to (e.g. ācāryar, Bhīṣmar etc.).
In Kalarippayattu, the master is referred to in plural to denote that it is, in fact, the lineage of masters who is imparting the knowledge. Thus the master is the cumulative result and the embodiment of all the previous teachers of his lineage.
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
or teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
. Masters or teachers of yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
and kalaripayat are usually referred to as Gurukkal. In kalaripayat the master is also called a "Kalari Gurukkal". The word is derived from the Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
word guru
Guru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
and the -kkal ending indicates plurality. This is due to the practice in Malayalam of adding plural suffixes to words to indicate respect, even when only one person is being addressed or referred to (e.g. ācāryar, Bhīṣmar etc.).
In Kalarippayattu, the master is referred to in plural to denote that it is, in fact, the lineage of masters who is imparting the knowledge. Thus the master is the cumulative result and the embodiment of all the previous teachers of his lineage.