The Golden Goal- Variation #3

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The Golden Goal is based on the 1999 Siddha Yoga message, A Golden Mind, a Golden Life (1). Throughout that year, I studied this message and explored the relationship between the nature of mind and the attainment of an ideal life. Artists created artwork based on their contemplation of the message, which were then presented in an art exhibit at the end of the year. The artworks had a wide range of style, media, and subject matter, reflecting the multi-faceted vision of a golden life.

For the exhibition, I submitted a digital collage called The Golden Goal, Variation 1. A similar digital collage, Variation 2, was created at the same time and is in the artist's collection. Later, the parts of the collage were combined and Variation 3 (shown here) was formed. Some differences between the two collages and Variation 3 exist. The upper right corner of variation 1 and 2 has an embedded image. This image is left out deliberately in variation 3, which will be explained later. Also the colors in Variation 3 are somewhat different.

Reflection of a Golden Life

The vision of a " golden life " varies with each person. However, good health, love for another, family, and friends are a foundation for a good and balanced life. Images depicting these basic needs are placed in the green areas of the artwork. The color green relates to the heart in terms of cultivating love and growth in human relationships. The spiraling vortexes in the green background denote the force of love we experience through our relationships.

The images located on either side of the hands in the green areas represent the importance of personal health and marriage. On the far left side there is an image of a person doing gymnastics symbolizing the joy of physical activity and maintaining good health. An image of a wedding couple on the far right side represents love for one's life partner. The group of people shown in the upper left corner signifies the role of friends has in enriching our life. The upper right corner has no embedded image. The viewer is invited to imagine an image of his/her family in that area. This act of creative visualization makes the artwork personal for each viewer.

Life's Lot

Everyone's life is different and we grow through the situations in our lives. Each of us is born under a different astrological formation. To indicate the influence of the universe on our life, an image of the zodiac appears at the bottom area of the piece. The Cancer and Leo constellations of the zodiac were chosen because the moon and the sun rule these constellations respectively. The moon signifies the mind and feelings that we experience in life. The sun signifies the soul that guides and directs our purpose in life.

Embedded in the bottom portion of the artwork are the words "Low" and "Gross." The words blend into the overall pattern of the zodiac. "Low" refers to the lower mind. "Gross" suggests the physical matter of the brain. To rise above the lower nature of our mind and to change the pathways of the gross matter of the brain, we explore our spiritual nature. In addition, the dark violet and red-violet colors in this area symbolize spirituality, the means by which the golden mind is obtained.

Developing of a Golden Mind

For Hindus, one of the four goals of life is dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means "duty, righteousness, and right action." The principle of dharma supports, preserves, and upholds the foundation of society. In this work, the arc containing the light blue pillars and pointed spears against the bright yellow spiraling background signify dharma. The pillar shapes suggest structure. In this case, structure refers to the firm intention and discipline needed to carry out one's duty. The pointed spears indicate the courage required to uphold dharma and the effort to seek the truth. The spears represent the spiritual warrior-like power necessary to follow dharma selflessly.

In addition, the arc's wheel-like shape suggests the wheel of karma. Karma means action. Good action begets good action. In this case, the wheel of karma and dharma signify right action in fulfilling one's duty. The blue color of the pillars symbolizes truth and spiritual wisdom. To follow one's dharma is to be imbued with spiritual wisdom. The bright yellow solar spiraling energy in the background symbolizes the personal power for performing service and our duty.

When we perform good deeds it positively impacts the mind. Our good actions generate love in the heart, affecting both our hearts and the one receiving the act of kindness. What affects the heart, affects the mind. When the heart expands through kindness, the mind elevates to higher states of awareness and bliss. As a result, performing one's dharma is a basic requirement for obtaining a golden mind.

The Role of Yoga

On a personal level, yoga is essential for developing a golden mind. Through yoga, one's fragmented energies are drawn into a cohesive oneness of expanded awareness. The symbolism in the artwork represents Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini is the feminine, creative power of Supreme Consciousness and exists in a subtle, dormant form within each human being. When awakened, this power purifies all aspects of our being as she rises to higher energy centers in the body. As she ascends from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, she balances the energy channels of the sun and moon within us. To illustrate this balance, the white crescent moon in the piece unites with the orange glowing sun.

Located in the center of the sun is a blue downward pointed triangle symbolizing Kundalini. The blue bindu (dot) in the center of the triangle signifies pure consciousness in its concentrated form. The triangle and the bindu represent the union of Supreme consciousness and its power. Around the sun the petals depict the opening of the different centers as the Kundalini passes through them. The orange color behind the petals indicates the heat of inner transformation as she transforms the physical and mental realms. Traveling the central energy channel between the sun and the moon channels, she emerges as unity consciousness. Completing her journey a golden mind is obtained giving the awareness of one's own perfection. In this state of perfection, life is golden.

Cosmic Outlook

When we become established in the state of perfection, our viewpoint is universal and cosmic. The hands in this work represent the cosmic outlook of Supreme consciousness. The vortexes of creative energy within the hands indicate the concentrated power that maintains the movement of the sun, moon, and the universe. Upon closer scrutiny, the position of the hands is shown as if they belong to the viewer. Drawing the hands from this perspective shows that our true nature is divine. When we become established in the ultimate experience of God-Realization, we hold everything in our hands, so to speak. We experience oneness with Supreme consciousness and all of creation. The violet color of the hands emphasizes this great state of awareness.

Symbolism of the Strips

In addition, the hands are holding strips with swirling energies patterns that signify the forces of nature. The yellow color in the strips depicts great intelligence. The purple color represents sacred vision. Therefore, great spiritual intelligence is needed for the sacred vision. The universal vision of God-realization sees all of creation as sacred. By the means of yoga, one purifies the mind by attaining the sacred vision of seeing God in all. Having obtained a golden mind, a golden life is experienced.

A Golden Mind, a Golden Life, SYDA Foundation, 1999.