The philosophy of Kalaripayat in general can be summed up in the theory of Dharma Yuddha (War of Duty/Tuth) It is symbolized in the ritual practice in the Kalari of touching the floor or the hand of the master with the right hand and then touching the chest and the head(heart and mind). This stands to signify that the fight should only be initiated by the mind if the heart approves of it. The term used in Kalari for self defense is "Atma Raksha" or defence of the soul-to hurt someone is equal to hurting ourselves, the essence of supreme soul, hence an attack is employed only as a very last resort exemplifying the principle of Ahimsa or non-violence.