Tuesday, November 29, 2011

painting mantras

This month my personal work has been dedicated to 2 projects, one of which is a group of paintings for Qi City Park's Yoga studio.  The entry foyer and studio have been the same for 2 years - just a move-in on a closed studio without giving the place a new look.  Alex Cordoba now manages this studio and she, along with some of her students (myself included) see the opportunity to create a setting with more intention around centering and the practice of yoga.  I'm making 3 large paintings for the foyer (the sort that will cover most of 2 wall areas creating a span of color, etc.).  Each one is an important mantra, invocation or dedication - simply the words on a vibrant color gradient.  My hope is for these words to meet each attending student with a call for intention and wakefulness in their yoga practice.  If anything, the paintings may make the place bright and colorful, cheerful and inviting.  Mantra - Gayatri, Dedication - The 4 Dharmas of Gampopa, and Invocation - Anusara invocation.  If applicable, the words in english are preceded by the texts' original language. 

Gayatri Mantra: 

Aum Bhur Bhuva Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat

On the absolute reality and its planes,
On that finest spiritual light,
We meditate, as remover of obstacles
That it may inspire and enlighten us.

The Four Dharmas of Gampopa: 

Grant your blessings so that my mind may be one with the dharma.
Grant your blessings so that dharma may progress along the path.
Grant your blessings so that the path may clarify confusion.
Grant your blessings so that confusion may dawn as wisdom.

Anusara Invocation: 

Om
Namah Shivaya Gurave
Satchidananda Murtaye
Nishprapanchaya Shantaya
Niralambaya Tejase
Om

I offer myself to the Light, who is the True Teacher within and without.
Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss,
Who is never absent and is full of peace,
Independent in its existence, It is the vital essence of illumination.


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