64 Kalas, And Experiencing Divinity And Happiness

The ‘64 Kalas,’ also known as ‘Chausath Kalas,’ were important elements of the ancient Indian education system. Contrary to popular belief, these Kalas included not only fine arts but also various types of crafts that people could pursue as professions.

• The scope of each of the “Chausath Kalas” is not confined to earning money, and leading a life with dignity. The Kalas brought out the creativity in people and this made them experience genuine happiness. 

• Additionally, the ’64 Kalas’ enabled practitioners to experience the divinity inherent in every human being. The joy that an individual experiences is unique—it is at a spiritual level.

• When people approach their work as a means of expressing divinity, it is only natural that the outcome is remarkable. The physical product that they make or the service they provide becomes incomparable. It stems from an individual’s commitment to communicate with the divine through their work.

• Many people mistakenly think that worship and work are two different things. But that is a flawed notion. Many realized souls in Indian history stated that an individual has to approach their work with the right attitude. It then becomes worship. It is this very element that can be seen in the “Chausath Kalas.”

• Each of these Kalas is such that it helps a person experience connectedness with the divinity present inside them. The “Kala” that they practice becomes a kind of divine expression. Many Indian philosophical systems teach that the work of a person is their “Dharma,” which they need to follow with utmost sincerity. Hence, it’s logical that for the practitioners following any of the disciplines covered under the “64 Kalas,” the art or craft forms become their “Dharma.”   

• The example of the last day of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can be taken. On this day, thousands of Ganesha idols are taken in a huge procession and are finally immersed in various water bodies. In these processions, the idols are transported to the lakes, rivers, or seas in heavy vehicles. Divine offerings or “Prasad” are distributed to people participating in the event. 

• This “Prasad” is always delicious. All the Ganesha idols were worshipped in different localities over the preceding ten days. As a result, people in these neighborhoods compete with each other to prepare the offerings for the final day.

• The family that gets this opportunity cooks the food item with wholehearted reverence towards Lord Ganesha. It is because of this devotion that the “Prasad” is always tasty. Here, it is important to emphasize that the art of cooking delicious food is one of the “64 Kalas.” It’s this “Kala” that is displayed with perfection on the day of the immersion of Ganesh idols. 

• The aspect discussed in the previous point underlines the relevance of treating work as a way of worship. We mentioned that when we approach our work with this attitude, the end result will be as anticipated. This is exactly what is seen in the ‘Prasad’ prepared for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The unwavering devotion of the people ensures that the offering has a wonderful taste.