SHASTER VIDYA
WHAT IS SHASTER VIDYA?
Shaster Vidya is the practice of the ancient Sikh martial art initially taught by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is a widespread belief that this martial art was introduced by the 6th Guru however this is misplaced. It was, in fact, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who introduced and taught this martial art to Baba Buddha Ji, a highly revered Sikh of the Guru. Baba Buddha Ji would live on until the 6th Guru & in the process, their bloodline would be given the responsibility of handing the throne of the Guru to every successor. It was when Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Sikh Guru, was summoned to Lahore for their martyrdom that they gave Baba Buddha Ji instructions that would change the face of the world. They told them to train the 11-year-old Hargobind Rai, soon to be 6th Guru, with all the knowledge & depth that had been blessed to them by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
BABA BUDDHA JI - SHASTER VIDYA MASTER
Thus, Baba Buddha Ji would go on to inaugurate Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji as the 6th Sikh Guru & at the age of 100, would go on to train Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji alongside serving the Guru for 25 years. In this time, they would help form & train the army of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji known as the Akaal Sena (army of the Timeless Being). Upon completing their service to the Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji blessed Baba Buddha Ji & eventually, the Sikh army would become formalised in Baba Buddha Ji’s name. The varying forms of the martial art were then taught & practised throughout the Sikh army from Akaal Sena & Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to the Sri Guru Khalsa Panth & Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The art was passed orally through generations & only those who abide within the Khalsa can learn it.
It is the command of the 10th Guru for Sikh to be armed, but this does not make a Sikh violent/dangerous. The Guru has blessed us with the knowledge of love, compassion, humility & community service. We aim to educate current & future generations on the significance of these teachings alongside teaching the responsibilities of having a Kirpan. By doing so, we hope to safeguard our religious freedoms by acting in a preventative manner.
ਸ਼ਸ੍ਰਹੀਨ ਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਹੋਈ।। ਰਹਿਤਵੰਤ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਹੈ ਸੋਈ।।
One who never remains without weapons,
Know him to be my disciplined Khalsa
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
A specialised martial art preserved for the Khalsa (initiated Sikh). Students have the opportunity to learn the unrivalled discipline and skill of Sikh weaponry maintained from century to century. Students are also given the opportunity to understand and respect the relevance of a Kirpan with its legal right in modern-day society.
SHASTER VIDYA COURSES
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