Alhamdulillah, since our last report, we have been drinking from the fountain of silat. Indeed, the thirst returns soon after its quenched. Firstly, as silat students, Haji Mokhtar encourages all students to recite the holy Quran. On Friday night we completed the Khatam of the Quran, and I (faheem) was honoured to do the Doa of khatam. Spirituality is inseparable from the true art of silat, and we are continuously guided through the teachings of the old masters and the works of Sufis. "whoseover doesnt have a wirid (daily dhikr), he is a Qird (monkey)".. this is how Haji jokes with us.
So far, the spirit of Pukulan Melaka is being slowly revived as old loyal students visits the gelanggang one by one. Some of the students who live in Melaka hasnt visited Haji Mokhtar for 10 years, but because they heard of South africans staying at the gelanggang, they now return. Shaarani, one old student who always kept contact with me via facebook, taught me a beautiful malay saying, "Sirih pulang ke gagang" meaning that people will always return to their source. More and more of the old Pukulan Melaka clan comes to visit us daily. Training takes place anytime during the day, whether in morning, afternoon, or at night. Sometimes we train after Esha solah until 2-3 o clock in the morning. Sleep less, train more.
We were also honoured to be invited to the wedding of Jai, one of Haji Mokhtars old students from Kampung Durian Daun. The food was so deliscious, just like all the other foods around here. The beautiful Kampung (village) scenery) was spectacular, according to Haji, this was one of the last remaining original kampungs in Melaka. One thing we have noticed is the utmost respect between student and Guru, as we alll adopt the practice of kissing the hand of the Guru upon giving Salam. Students previously came to the gelanggang to study, sleep, practice, or just hang out. We are told that that Pukulan Melaka was one of the most popular silats in Melaka, and also had the Biggest gelanggang.
Although we have had some glitches along the way, we stay focussed on our goals. So a sincere apology for not updating more regularly, but be certain that we are busy in training. Ma'assalaamah, from me and Pak Hilmy. please make doa for our continuous safety and success.
Jaga Diri Baik!
So far, the spirit of Pukulan Melaka is being slowly revived as old loyal students visits the gelanggang one by one. Some of the students who live in Melaka hasnt visited Haji Mokhtar for 10 years, but because they heard of South africans staying at the gelanggang, they now return. Shaarani, one old student who always kept contact with me via facebook, taught me a beautiful malay saying, "Sirih pulang ke gagang" meaning that people will always return to their source. More and more of the old Pukulan Melaka clan comes to visit us daily. Training takes place anytime during the day, whether in morning, afternoon, or at night. Sometimes we train after Esha solah until 2-3 o clock in the morning. Sleep less, train more.
We were also honoured to be invited to the wedding of Jai, one of Haji Mokhtars old students from Kampung Durian Daun. The food was so deliscious, just like all the other foods around here. The beautiful Kampung (village) scenery) was spectacular, according to Haji, this was one of the last remaining original kampungs in Melaka. One thing we have noticed is the utmost respect between student and Guru, as we alll adopt the practice of kissing the hand of the Guru upon giving Salam. Students previously came to the gelanggang to study, sleep, practice, or just hang out. We are told that that Pukulan Melaka was one of the most popular silats in Melaka, and also had the Biggest gelanggang.
Although we have had some glitches along the way, we stay focussed on our goals. So a sincere apology for not updating more regularly, but be certain that we are busy in training. Ma'assalaamah, from me and Pak Hilmy. please make doa for our continuous safety and success.
Jaga Diri Baik!
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