Embodying the Elements within Nature through the traditional Malay art of Silat Tua
Lian Sutton
eTropic electronic journal of studies in the tropics September 4, 2018 DOI: 10.25120/etropic.17.2.2018.3652 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Silat Tua, a traditional Malay martial art, uses imagery of the four Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind) drawn from the Malaysian Peninsula and Singapore environment to cultivate mindfulness, shape behaviour, and guide practitioners toward a harmonious and virtuous life. The author contends that the physical environment serves not only as inspiration for movement but as an impetus for ethical living, with implications for navigating change in Singapore. |
Abstract
The paper introduces Silat Tua, a traditional Malay martial art, and its relationship to the tropics of the Malaysian Peninsula and Singapore through the imagery work of the four Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. In a world of increasing disconnect between Humans and Nature, the Silat Tua practice is a traditional martial art for bringing harmony and healing, as well as an understanding of how the building blocks of Nature can harmonise, complement and resonate with the natural resources of the human mind, body and spirit. Through recounting the legend of the art’s origin, the first proponent of Silat Tua is shown to have gained inspiration and lessons from the inhabited environment. Examples of how a Silat exponent may explore and come to understand the Elements are discussed before venturing into the practical application of the Elements in cultivating mindfulness and influencing behaviour. The physical environment thus, is not only a source of inspiration for movement but indeed an impetus for leading a harmonious and virtuous life. The paper concludes with the connection and implications of the Elements training in Singapore and its potential in navigating oneself through the constant changes inevitable in life.