The Divine Power of Sword and Spear

Pamheiba Asem *

Thang-Ta - by JN Dance Academy Students :: 1 April 2012 :: Pix - Phurailatpam Banti

Different communities, of several countries, in the world do possess various traditional weapons including sword and spear, etc. There are many types of swords and spears in the world. The various shapes, sizes, names and skills of the weapons of the indigenous people of our land (now called Manipur) are entirely different from those of the other countries.

The indigenous martial arts (of Sword and Spear) are divided into many kinds and sub-kinds containing various lessons. The skill use in festivals, tournaments and entertainments is one type. The indigenous martial arts used in defence and offence, and in hunting is the second type. It is the warfare kill. There was a time when the martial arts were compulsory for every countryman.

We find, from the pages of the history, that our forefathers showed their expertise in the martial arts at times of war and other crisis, during the reign of kings, at different periods. Their courage and expertise in the martial arts brought glory to our country. Our neighbours respect our ancestors through friendship and mutual co-operation.

Besides, the above mentioned types, there is also a peculiar type of martial arts (of Sword and Spear) in Manipur, believed to have been inherited from Gods. It says that Gods used the arts in the creation of the Universe. Since the skills belonged to Gods, our ancestors hardly mentioned even the real name of the arts, perhaps, as a mark of respect to the Gods. It was regarded as the divine power. It was a gift of God to mankind.

At the time of the creation of the universe, Atiya Guru Shidaba called out his son Konjin (Konjil) Tuthokpa Pakhangba and taught him the arts of sword and spear, etc. He made a clean breast of the arts to his son Konjin Pkhangba. Konjin Tuthokpa Pakhangba laid the formulae of the martial arts (of the weapons) for future generations. Our ancestors, who are believed to be descendants of the said Pakhangba, carefully preserved the minute details of the martial arts. As a result of the great effort, the arts in still intact (even now-a-days).

Since the kings, at ancient times, divided the country into Pana(s) and Lallup (s), there may be some differences in the techniques of the discipline, from time to time and from one place to another. The special divine power or skill is the ultimate arts and the sword or spear becomes the ultimate weapon having dazzling effects just like lightening.

The essence of the peculiar martial arts (of sword and spear) is the combination of the acme in the warfare skill and theurgy. In this martial arts, the blessing of Shidaba Mapu, the Universal Lord, is inevitable. The nine Laibungthou(s), including Konjin Pakhangba, who are the relevant Gods of the martial arts, are invoked for their blessings, through the traditional rituals. The Gods and Goddesses in heaven and on earth are also prayed for their beneficence. For more minute and necessary details, kindliness of exponent Gurus and teachers are needed.

There are certain criteria for acquiring the kill. Those who want to master the special arts must conform to the criteria laid for it, for example, he must be one having full perception and respect for the tradition in culture and religion of his ancestors, who were the indigenous people of Manipur. This is the first priority. Secondly, he must maintain discipline always.

He must respect Gurus, teachers and elders. He must regard his parents or guardians with utmost respect and affection. His moral character must be good and satisfactory. He must be an ideal person in all respects. He must be a patriot with clean image. He must not be an egoist. He must undergo extensive training under the guidance of reverend Gurus, respected teachers and experts. These are least possible amount of quality needed for acquiring the skill. There are many other qualities for it.

The peculiar and divine skill may be used only at an appropriate time and place. Here are some hints:- when religion declines and evil forces rises, when your rulers are dethroned, when there is no law and order, when the people are in chaos and turmoil, when disruptive forces threaten the people, when the people are at utmost distress –wailing and crying, when disruptive forces agitate, invade and occupy your country, when there is no other alternative, then it may be used. Misuse of the power will be harmful to the user and it is not good for the country. Hence, it should be used at a proper time and place only.

The power of the skill (i.e. the power of the sword and spear) is of the supernatural type. It can work miracles. It can make many impossibilities possible and vice-versa. It is the power of God, Shidaba Mapu, the Almighty, the Creator, ruler and Lord of the Universe. Hence, the title, the divine power of sword and spear. No one can challenge the authority of the God and His power.

Awareness of the divinity is one the rise. With multiplying number of devotees, the numbers of temples are also increasing. The tradition of Lai Haraoba, the festival of the Forest Gods and Goddesses, is expanding. This the ample proof of the divine power, the power of God. God used the power in the creation of the universe and he was assisted by other Gods and Goddesses.

Theologians, of all faiths, believe that a new world order or a new era is on the anvil and it may come sooner or later, but for sure. The divine power may be exercised again for the beginning of (or in the creation of) an auspicious new era of peace, prosperity and happiness.