New Delhi, Dec 8 (ANI): An exhibition entitled "Reflections of Indian Consciousness" will be inaugurated here today at the National Museum by Gursharan Kaur in the presence of Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni.
The exhibition has been organized by the Archaeological Survey of India and Union Ministry of Culture.
The age-old value system of Indian consciousness revolves around the concepts of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (this world is one family) and ekama sat viprah bahudha vadanti(the universal reality is the same, but different people interpret it by different names).
These two proclamations bear the essence of eternal way of life, coherent with thoughts and practices of the Upanishad, advocate adherence to the meditation, service towards others, changing oneself through self-awareness, compassion and wisdom.
Briefly, the Hindus follow the vision that everything is divine, while the Jains believe that all living beings are related with divinity and the Buddhists proclaim self realization by disciplining base desires through right conduct.
The exhibition seeks to celebrate this eternal Indian consciousness running through various works of art of the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist origins.
The Indian consciousness, for example, is reflected in the triad or trimurti representing the three principal gods of Hinduism, namely Brahma (creator) Vishnu (preserver) and Mahesha (destroyer).
Around these deities revolve the Hindu pantheon with countless gods and goddesses.
Embodied in the traid are three essential principles of the universe - rajas (the cause of desire), sattva (mercy, goodness and intelligence) and tamas (darkness or inertia). Similarly, the dance of bliss (ananda tandava) of Nataraja combines the panchkrityas, namely creation (srishti), preservation (sthiti), destruction (samhara), veiling (tirobhava) and grace (anugraha).
A few exhibits of mundane consideration include the images of Lakshmi-Narayana as divine couple of Kalyanasundaramurti portraying the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
A panel depicting the conservation of Sita and Lakshmana in the Panchvati reflects an earthly feeling of distrust and obedience, which led to the abduction of Sita. Likewise, Krishna lifting mount Govardhan highlights his pastoral character.
The essence of magnanimity is seen in the bronze image of Bharata and Ardhanarishvara of composite nature, reflecting syncretic ideology, have been canonized to bring harmony and peaceful coexistence among the sects. he Buddhist themes like turning of the Wheel of the Law of Dharma by the Buddha at Sarnath signifies the establishment of the sovereignty of Dharma or righteousness, while the Mahaparinirvana or the Great Decease of the Buddha at Kushinagar endorses the teachings of the Buddha that 'Decay is inherent in all component beings. Work out your own salvation with diligence'.
The elements of ultimate sacrifice and generosity to all living beings have been narrated in the panels of Sibi Jataka, subjugation of Nalagiri and honey to the Buddha.
A few exhibits reflecting the esoteric nature of Indian thought, which views life in a swiftly changing perspective, form part of the exhibition.
Jainism believes existence of souls in all living beings, where it is possible for the soul to purify itself and attain enlightenment through the path of truth and asceticism and subsequent to this, help other beings to attain the same.
The images of Rishabhanatha Neminatha, Ajitnatha and Parshvanatha are a few exhibits displayed here for appreciation.
The exhibits on display fall within the time period of 3rd century B.C. to 18th Century A.D. These are not necessarily mounted in a chronological order in the exhibition.
An exhibition like this, with a focus on the images that reflect the ethos and value system of Indian consciousness, would help in creating an awareness by igniting the minds of the viewers.
The need of the hour is to perpetuate the time-tested value system for promoting peace and tranquility in the fellow countrymen. (ANI)
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