Power of Glance

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The Sadguru and the Journey of Kundalini Shakti

In the digital artwork called Power of the Glance, the artistic content relates to the Kundalini Shakti, the cosmic power of Supreme Consciousness. The shapes, colors, and textures symbolize the levels of consciousness that the Kundalini Shakti passes through in her journey to unite with Supreme Consciousness. Also, this artwork indicates the importance and the power of the Sadguru in guiding and awakening the Kundalini Shakti. A Sadguru is one who has completed his/her spiritual journey to enlightenment and been given the power by his or her Guru to awaken Kundalini Shakti in others.

Yantras

The square, circle, and triangle are the basic shapes of yantras. Harish Johari in his book Tools for Tantra (1) defines yantras as " ...[V]isual tools that serve either as centering devices or as the symbolic composition of the energy pattern of a deity as seen by Tantric seers in their visions." Yantras can be said to hold the essence (of an object, thought, or concept) and aid in liberation. As a centering device, a yantra helps the mind withdraw from its outward, worldly tendencies and directs it to inward, higher levels of consciousness. This artwork, with its concentric circles and strong center, serves as a centering device, even though it is not a traditional yantra that holds the energy pattern of a deity.

Movement Through the Energy Centers

In this piece, there are many circles, a shape traditionally used to represent infinity or eternity. In tantric art, the circle also signifies space and a dynamic expansion of energy. Including the central dot as a very small circle, this piece contains seven circles representing the seven chakras or psychic energy centers within the human body. The serpent and the triangle are traditional symbols of Kundalini Shakti. The serpent located in the center of the artwork makes Kundalini Shakti appear to be moving through the seven circles. The direction in which she is moving is ambiguous: Is she ascending or descending? Which circle represents the base chakra called the Muladhara and which is the highest center? Because the whole composition has a visual spatial quality, the movement can be read in two directions – moving inward toward the center or projecting outward toward the viewer. Also, the Platonic shape in the center of the piece gives the illusion of three-dimensionality. The overlapping of the triangle with the other shapes gives additional spatial depth. The warm color of the red square appears to project forward toward the viewer in comparison to the surrounding cooler colors of blue and green. In addition, the eyes situated within the transparent blue triangle add to the sense of depth. All of these spatial characteristics serve to create a visual environment useful to draw the viewer's attention into the artwork – a necessity for a centering device.

The Eyes

The eyes in this artwork symbolize the power of God and seem to emerge from the blue triangle and green textured area. As such, they allude to the power behind all things. The eyes represent the divine power that emanates from the eyes of a Sadguru, an enlightened master. The fully awakened divine love of the Sadguru stirs the divine love (Kundalini Shakti) within a spiritual seeker and is called initiation. As a lit wick can light an unlit wick, so a Sadguru can ignite the knowledge and experience of the Self in another.

One of several traditional ways a Sadguru gives initiation is through a glance. The Kundalini Shakti is awakened in the seeker through the divine power inherent in the eyes of the Sadguru. The ancient scriptures say that one glance is all that is needed, and then the seeker must keep the flame of love well-stoked through spiritual practice and discipline. When Kundalini Shakti finishes her upward journey through the spiritual centers, the aspirant attains the enlightened state of the Sadguru.

The eye motif is quite ancient and is found in many cultures. For example, it is associated with the goddess known as the Eye Goddess. The eye motif was found on artifacts from Spain, Syria, and Sumer – all dating from c. 2500 B.C. These objects are reminiscent of the Bronze Age of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the pre-Homeric Aegean where the chief divinity was the goddess of many forms and names. (2) Certain symbols are archetypes and the eye motif is one of them. Most likely, these universal symbols arise from the human psyche and serve to give meaning to mysteries that are beyond words.

Self-Realization

The platonic shape in the center is an icosahedron. The gnostistics considered this shape a symbol of the"man fully self-realized" or the perfect man. The symbolism of this shape is consistent with the qualities of a Sadguru – one that has attained perfection and is Self-realized. The eye motif and the icosahedron platonic shape reinforce the symbolic meaning of the Self-realized being. Early Greeks associated the icosahedron with the element of water. Often, water is associated with purification. The Christian baptism is an example of an act of purification. In addition, the sacred teachings of India associate water with the sattva guna. Sattva means pure and guna means quality. Sattvaguna signifies the highest knowledge, goodness, and all that is pure.

The overall message of the artwork is strengthened by the multi-associations involving the eyes, the meanings of the icosahedron and the symbol of the serpent as the Kundalini.

Honoring Kundalini Shakti

The script in the background is the sixth verse (3) from the Kundalini Stavaha, a Sanskrit hymn in praise of Kundalini Shakti. This verse serves as an invocation – a prayer to Kundalini Shakti. This verse gives salutations, praising the nature of Kundalini Shakti as revealed wisdom, ever-youthful, guileless and all-encompassing. As she completes her journey, she becomes active like a mind intoxicated with love. She is the power of action. The script, interacting with the many layers of artwork, indicates the importance of giving homage to the Kundalini Shakti as a way to express gratitude for her continued expansion in her journey through the charkas – spiritual centers.

Muladhara Chakra

The yellow square represents the initial abode of Kundalini in the Muladhara chakra. Yellow symbolizes the earth element. The triangle also represents Kundalini Shakti. The blue transparent color of the triangle inspires the feeling of serenity and creates the impression of deep space. Blue is the color often seen in meditation, and its appearance is indicative of Supreme Consciousness.

Completing the Artwork

The radiating flower-like shape that interacts with the circles had a strong impact on the artist. When the shape was first added to the artwork, she had an amazing "Aha" response. She felt a strong rejoicing in her heart, and she knew that the artwork was finished. This final shape was all that the artwork needed.

Tools for Tantra, Harish Johari, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, 1986; p. 45.
The Masks of God: Creative Mythology, Joseph Campbell, Penguin Books, New York, 1978, p. 124.
Kundalini Stavaha, New York: SYDA Foundation, 1979, verse 6.