Art Can Raise Consciousness

Art Can Raise Consciousness

Beauty does not last forever, but a beautiful heart does. − Mahavira

I recently traveled to India and among my many experiences, I had the good fortune to visit the 13th century Dilwara Jain Temple on Mount Abu. The exquisite craftsmanship of detailed white marble carvings of animals, plants, and deities amazed me and helped raise my state. The space was quiet and sublime despite the many tourists and worshippers. Photography was not allowed so the only lenses operating were my eyes and third eye.

The place had an unusual feeling and G.I. Gurdjieff’s notion of objective art came to mind. Objective art has the potential to penetrate every viewer in the same way. Many of the friends I was traveling with had a common experience as we walked into and around this temple. We admired the ceiling panels, pillars, and other features. Everything was white and exquisitely beautiful. Presence was palpable.

If impressions are good enough, they will awaken presence. – The Teacher

As I entered one section, I noticed a couple who were not part of my group were getting ready to leave. I overheard part of their conversation about the temple. Looking up at the ceiling panels, one of them remarked, “They all look the same.” And while there is a bit of truth to that observation, the overall impression was far greater than sameness. Each panel of each portico section was carved in a different pattern, some geometric patterns, others plant motifs, and many others of people and deities. These onlookers were sadly not letting the art penetrate third eye and were in a lower state of consciousness.

As for me, I felt my state elevated as I observed and drank in these impressions at the temple. Being aware of oneself is a higher level of consciousness, being aware of oneself in a space with a sense of Higher Purpose is yet an even higher level of consciousness. Consciousness has degrees and is a continuum.

Uncreated light is the conscious art of the soul being present to itself. – The Teacher

The Work is a practical endeavor. I seek to be where I am and to raise my state, regardless of circumstances. And impressions, such as beautiful artwork, are a practical source of food, but you cannot always rely on a Jain Temple to do it. I can, however, surround myself intentionally with art and beauty to augment my efforts to be present. My internal Jain Temple is available whenever I seek it out.

Have you found similar keys to breaking out of your lower sleepy or analytical state? Have you also wondered why, when we find ourselves in a strange, beautiful place, it penetrates us differently than our normal routines?

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Interior of the Neminath Temple, Dilwara, Mount Abu, William Carpenter