DANCE - THE DIVINE THERAPIST - BHAKTI YOGA TO THERAPY

Abstract

Customs and rituals are the foundation of the life of an Indian. Down the years various traditions and religious practices have influenced the plastic arts and the performing arts.
The Indian Classical dances of India have their roots in the folk arts of their respective states and the folk arts have had ,a deep connection to the religious practices and rituals that priests and the common man ,have inculcated, for a lifestyle based on virtue .
The dedicated spectator or Rasika of Indian classical dances, is familiar with dance presentations where the Nayika is shown pining for the Nayaka . While love for God can be depicted in various other relationships where the Supreme Soul is the friend, child, etc. , classical dance chooses to emphasize more on the the man - woman relationship to prove its point. Unfortunately, these representations stop at the mundane.There is an urgent need for a deeper understanding of its actual philosophical meaning. This is the Gyaana yoga or divine knowledge ,which enlightens us that the dancer or Nayika is the human soul pining for the Nayaka ,who is the Supreme soul or the Parmaatmaa.