Mahayana Series

Title: Maitreyi | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

The painting "Maitreyi” transports us to the Kagyu monastery's dining hall, where two young monks share a moment of profound connection. Seated on the ground in the traditional Indian dining style, an eleven-year-old monk tenderly feeds a five-year-old companion. The brushstrokes delicately convey the essence of Maitri and Karuna, sans physical touch, relying solely on radiant expressions. The painting's depth reveals the tapestry of brotherhood, genuine love, humility, and obedience interwoven with the development of 'Maitri'—a testament to the spiritual richness within the Sangha. Each stroke narrates a tale of benevolence, a visual symphony in the world of chaos.

Title: Karuna | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

The 5 feet tall oil- painting ‘Karuna’ unfolds in strokes of serenity as an eighty-five-year-old monk reclines in his armchair, radiating tranquillity. His weathered hands tenderly caress a dog, embodying the essence of Buddhist practice—kindness to all sentient beings. In this canvas, compassion takes form, transcending age and species. The aged lama's compassionate gaze resonates, a testament to the revered Buddhist principle. Animals, captivated by the monk's love, grace the scene. This creative kaleidoscope captures the immeasurable compassion embedded in the monk's heart—a timeless ode to the interconnected tapestry of kindness that threads through the Buddhist soul.

Title: Bodhi | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

Titled "Bodhi," this 5x3 ft oil artwork transcends canvas, portraying a thirty-five-year-old monk immersed in meditation within a sacred hall. Every stroke carefully weaves a tale, mirroring Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree at 35. The monk's visage, serenely composed, is the testament of dedicated meditation—a vital thread in Buddhist practice. A dance of colours whispers the monk's journey through the Three Moral Precepts: Higher Conduct, Meditation, and Wisdom, intricately intertwined like a cosmic symphony. Within this verdant tapestry, the artwork becomes a meditation itself—a canvas echoing the timeless pursuit of concentration and serene enlightenment, an artistic homage to Buddha's transformative legacy.

Title: Dhyai | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

"Dhyai" a 5 ft by 3 ft oil artwork, unveils the serenity of a toddler monk at the tender age of 3, seated in a verdant field. Amidst a sea of yellow and white blooms, vibrant trees, and fluttering prayer flags, the scene exudes a monastery's embrace. The young monk, eyes fixed on a radiant flower, embodies mindful observation. His gentle touch transcends possession, emphasising profound appreciation for nature's beauty. In his calm expression, the painting whispers the wealth of contentment. "Dhyai" is a visual symphony, weaving threads of mindfulness, appreciation, admiration, and contentment into the canvas—a timeless journey into the depths of contemplative joy.

Title: Pragya | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

"Pragya," meaning wisdom, is a 5x3 ft painting that captures the serene essence of a 65-year-old monk imparting Buddhist philosophy. Adorned in the distinct robe of a Geshe, a revered Tibetan Buddhist teacher, he embodies the profound act of teaching. The monk imparts the first paramita, Generosity, culminating in the ultimate act of sharing Dharma. A true guru, he dispels ignorance with compassion, guiding his students on the path of cessation. This painting eloquently celebrates the sacred lineage of Buddhist teachings, emphasising the profound connection between teacher and disciple in the journey towards enlightenment. The harmonious colours and gentle brushstrokes further enhance the painting's serene atmosphere.

Title: Shila | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

In "Shila," the canvas unfolds a realm of ethical discipline. A twenty-seven-year-old monk, embodying serene dedication, gracefully wields a long broom amidst nature's tranquil embrace. Behind him, a medium-sized stupa stands proudly, echoed by verdant trees on the horizon. Encircled by a humble stone pathway, the stupa rests upon lush green grass. With each sweeping motion, the monk embarks on a sacred journey, mirroring Buddha's teachings. Cleansing the physical realm, he traverses his consciousness, shedding negativity. This ritual transcends the mundane, a metaphor for purging mental impurities. Chanting softly like Chulapanthaka, he expels dust and defilement. In the gentle rhythm of sweeping, devotion intertwines with enlightenment, embodying the quest for inner purity within monastic discipline.

Title: The Ocean of Compassion | Size: 5 x 3 ft.

This 5 x 3 ft oil portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama stands as a dedicated tribute within my series inspired by Mahayana Buddhism. Immersed in research and intimate encounters with monks, my journey reached its zenith when I was blessed with a private audience with His Holiness. In his presence, the air seemed to shimmer with his gentle aura, and I felt overwhelmed by his embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. This profound experience was not just a meeting but a moment of transformation, where I felt the immense warmth and boundless compassion radiating from him.