The light, the beginning of Zensation
Hi! Hope you and your loved one are doing great!
Today, I dedicate this mail to Lord Buddha.
On this auspicious day, I wish you a Happy and Blessed Buddha Purnima.
The Lotus Tattoo
As a child, I was aware of Lord Gautam Buddha through literature and His stories at school. I had visited my 1st Buddha temple in Thailand when I was a teenager and I still remember experiencing a sense of wonder and peace.
My journey of learning more about Buddha began in 2016, when I was working at Sorento Healthcare a specialised Pharma Advertising company. One evening I was working with an artist Sagar, a good friend, on new campaign concepts and I noticed a tattoo on his bicep peeking through his sleeve. It looked like a Lotus being scratched. My 1st response was why? He was perplexed, and asked what?
I spoke from a pre-notion that it was a sign of aggression and he calmed me down and explained that it was actually rays of light on a lotus a symbol of enlightenment. I was suddenly all curious and full of questions. He shared his story and suggested I read the story of Buddha – in the illustrated form written by Osamu Tezuka. He had the series and reading it was pure delight.
Comic Book - Buddha by Osamu Tezuka
Sagar’s excitement and conviction made me begin reading and once I was in, I just could not put it down. It was insightful, emotional, funny, too good! That time I was an Account Manager handling Doctor conference events, totally occupied. But, every little time I could sneak in I would read- more like watch the book. Below is a click from my flight to Bangalore in 2016. With great excitement and flow I completed the series of all 8 books sooner than anticipated.
The Teachings of Buddha
The Pagoda A place of Inner talk
In 2022, was when I first learnt about the presence of The Pagoda from a good friend and I knew I had to visit to experience it for myself. In August 2022 I went there for the 1st time and it was magical.
Just imagine : Cool monsoon breeze carrying pearls of rain drops, so serene and peaceful, only the sound of wind-chimes at the top of the Pagoda adding a background ring to the elated experience. After the meditation and the painting gallery and visiting the inside of the quiet dome. I sat by the open cafe there facing the Pagoda- writing my heart out in my journaling – being 100% present. This is now a ritual every time I visit, which is at least once a month.
Infact, I was there today too! and guess what? I took my daughter there with me. It was her first visit . She was equally fascinated and had a joyful experience.
Also, my new home where I have shifted as mentioned in the last emailer – has its blessed sight.
Zensation
I personally feel, all these experiences and my inclination and feeling of joy, in being present, mindful, calm is what I want to share with others too. I make sure I am in a peaceful state and exude positive energy whenever I make any painting. My wish is that art lover who experience my work of art feel inner joy and calm.
To celebrate today’s special day, I made my very 1st sketch of Lord Buddha attainting Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Can’t wait to complete this painting!
And I hope you witness the Blessed Full Moon Tonight =)
