Graphic Art

Diksha

Diksha is a Sanskrit term that refers to:

A "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony" in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The initiation of a student by a guru.
A rite performed prior to Vedic sacrifice.
Derived from the roots "diks" (to consecrate) and "daks" (to grow or expand).
Transcending the intellect.

Perhaps I should have made this image more grotesque...

Let's explore the last three definitions here:

In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolizes the fruits that arise from the mud of our ignorance once we transcend our limitations. They represent the spiritual flowering of our soul, after much toiling and growing into awareness of the mud of our samskaras, hidden flaws, and defects of character. A being can become purified with a sincere desire-- along with the right actions-- to change. Every change is subtle and begins in our minds from our own arrogances. Diksha is the fire initiation rite of burning up our own ego's mud.

My prompt for this piece was based on observation: a welcoming to the mirrors of my own limitations, so that I can see and shovel out all of my own crap (the "mud"), instead of hurling it at and blaming others. I am thankful for the awareness.

Yet, so often do I witness those who hold themselves in such high regard, of self-inflated visions of themselves, angry at one who comes to show them who they really are, thereby breaking the carefully constructed vision they have of themselves and leaving them exposed. The breakers of delusion for spiritual egoists are our mirrors.

Spiritual prudes and snobs, who enjoy masturbating in their delusion, while telling others how they do and what they believe, instead of churning those powers within. Being humble.

What I see in me: Jealousy and False Pride, to offer up in the fires of the mind, supreme vision, wisdom, that needs no one to tell or show inauthenticity to. You can feel a false friend behind a smiling mask, when the most authentic reaction would have been to be neutral, then walk away from such falsities.

For those truly seeking, know. No words are needed. Right words. Right thoughts, Right actions. The flowering of truths within, radical acceptance and gratitude for our mirrors, the mud internal, and the hope of our Diksha being a constant desire, occurring each and every time we meet upon our mirrors, and look into without fear to see, in effort to offer the mud of ours up within.

Paint on Paper.

Digital Medium for further rendering..