Vasistha’s Instruction to Rama

Vasistha said, “Though it is one, it is conceived of as diverse beings; it is neither one nor many. It is not even it! It is established in Reality. It is of the nature of supreme, all-inclusive peace. It is the one immeasurably great, cosmic being or Self. It is cosmic energy of the nature of cosmic Consciousness.”

Rama said, “By your grace, O Lord among sages, my delusion has gone, and I have attained the supreme state. I am now fully accomplished with my intelligence perfectly clear. I am freed of doubts. I rest in my own natural state as Brahman, or in the knowledge of nirvana. I shall do as you have said.”

 

Earlier this past summer, Anandhi  approached Nome requesting permission to express her devotion through her artistic abilities. The idea of painting a mural on the wall in the Lotus Room of Vasistha instructing Rama along with the assembly of numerous other sages was suggested. As Vasistha is part of the Advaita lineage, our linage, and dear to our hearts, it seemed most appropriate.

Below are images of the progress of this holy endeavor since its inception.

 

First, Anandhi draws the image in pencil on poster board.

Every detail is drawn carefully.

 

The wall in the Lotus Room where the mural will be painted is prepared.

Scott places “mud” on the wall to smooth the surface.

After adding mud he sands the wall to obtain an even smoother finish.

 

The process of adding mud and sanding is done multiple times. Then paint is applied.

The difference between the original wall and the prepared wall is easily seen here.

The surface of the wall is now ready for the mural.

The drawing is projected onto the wall and Anandhi, along with Jayalakshmi and Sangeeta draw the image onto the wall.

 

Here, Janani helps her mother, Anandhi, with the drawing.

Although it is difficult to see all of the details of the drawing, below is a list of the figures appearing in the image:

Top line: (From Left to Right)
Vidhyadhara
Kinnara
Siddhas showering flowers
Shiva
Siddhas showering flowers
Gandharvas
Standing Sages and others: (From Left to Right)
Marichi
Vatsyayana
Ushira
Chyavana
Naga
Saraloman
Kratu
Bharathwaja
Pulastya
Arunthathi (Wife of Sage Vashista)
A subordinate king and a Minister of King Dasaratha
Second row (Sitting) Sages:  (From Left to Right)
Angiras
Bhrigu
Ricika
Uddalaka
Pulaha
First row (Sitting) Sages:  (From Left to Right)
Durvasa
Vamadeva
Valmiki
Vyasa
Vishwamitra
Vashista
Narada
On the Ground (Sitting and Standing) (From Left to Right):
Bharathan
Sathrukanan
Lakshmanan
Raman
Dasaratha
Kausalya
Horse and birds (including the Crow Bushunda)
The ground is filled with heaps of flowers such as Ketaki, Blue Lotus, Red Lotus flowers etc.,

The image is complete and ready to be painted. Anandhi starts with Siva.

 

 

 

Then, Anandhi paints the sky. One of the Siddhas can be seen in the upper right hand corner.

Next, Anandhi paints the sky behind Siva to represent a beautiful sunset.

 

 

 

Anandhi often works at night when baby Ribhu is sleeping.

Here, Janani helps her mother paint. Janani is an apprentice painter learning from her mother.

Next, the columns are painted.

 

 

Anandhi takes great care in every detail of the painting.

 

This is Anandhi with her husband Siva Kumar Chandran and their two children, Janani and Ribhu.

When Anandhi completes this offering we will post another blog here.

Om Namah Sivaya!