Meditation in Motion: Sharing Odissi at the Veda Forum

Recently, I had the joy of speaking at the Veda Forum, where I introduced Odissi—one of India’s oldest classical dance traditions—to a wonderfully curious audience. The session opened a doorway into the world of devotion, history, movement, and mindfulness, and it was heartening to see how deeply people connected with this ancient art form.

A Glimpse Into Odissi’s Origins

Odissi traces its roots to the sacred temples of Odisha, where dance was once a form of seva, an offering. The earliest custodians of this tradition were the Mahris, temple dancers dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Their devotion took the form of movement, gesture, and expression—each performance a living prayer. Later, the Gotipuas, young boys dressed in feminine attire, carried the tradition forward, adding acrobatic and devotional elements that further enriched the art.

This lineage forms the foundation of the Odissi we practice today: a blend of spirituality, storytelling, and refined technique.

The Dance of Form and Emotion

During the talk, we explored the three pillars of classical Indian dance:

Nritta – pure dance, focused on rhythm and movement

Natya – drama and storytelling

Nritya – expressive dance, where movement and emotion merge

Odissi beautifully combines all three. Through rasas (emotional flavors) such as śṛṅgāra (love), karuṇā (compassion), vīra (courage), and hāsya (joy), dancers bring stories from scriptures, poetry, and especially Krishna’s pastimes to life.

We also looked at how mudras (hand gestures) and postures like chowka (a square, grounded stance), tribhangi (three graceful bends), sama, and abhanga form the grammar of the dance. These are more than technical positions—they shape the dancer’s presence, alignment, and energy.

At the Heart of Odissi: Bhakti

One of the most meaningful discussions at the forum was about how Odissi embodies Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion. Every movement, every glance, and every gesture becomes an act of offering—a way of connecting with something beyond oneself. In that sense, Odissi is not just a performing art, but a spiritual discipline.

This is why Odissi is often described as meditation in motion. The dancer must be fully present—mind, body, and breath aligned. The more deeply one enters the dance, the more the mind quiets and the heart opens.

Relevance in Modern Times: A Path to Presence

In today’s digitally overwhelmed world, Odissi offers a natural digital detox. Students shared how grounding it felt to focus on the body, rather than screens. Adults expressed how refreshing it was to experience movement as a form of mindfulness rather than exercise.

For students navigating academic pressure, and for professionals juggling responsibilities, Odissi becomes a tool for:

Stress reduction

Mind–body alignment

Improved focus and concentration

Emotional clarity and expression

A sense of inner calm

Dance becomes a sanctuary—an hour of anchored presence amidst the noise of daily life.

A Conversation That Continues

The Veda Forum session ended with warm discussions, thoughtful questions, and shared reflections. Many were surprised to discover how layered and meditative Odissi truly is. Some expressed interest in learning, others simply felt inspired by its philosophy.

For me, it was a reminder of why I teach and perform: Odissi touches people in profound, unexpected ways.

As we continue to share this tradition with new audiences, may Odissi remain what it has always been—
a path of devotion, a practice of presence, and a celebration of the divine through movement.