BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.0.5//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:46@bhavan.net DTSTART:20260111T140000Z DTEND:20260111T170000Z DTSTAMP:20251231T183504Z URL:https://www.bhavan.net/events/contemplative-motifs-of-ajanta-from-sast ric-thought-to-experiential-practice/ SUMMARY:Contemplative Motifs of Ajanta: From Śāstric Thought to Experient ial Practice DESCRIPTION:Sun 11 Jan | 2pm - 5pm | £11.55\nAbout the Session\nIn an age shaped by constant visual stimulation\, rapid image consumption\, and unin terrupted engagement with digital media\, traditional Indian art offers a profoundly different way of seeing—one that is slow\, inward\, and conte mplative. Rather than competing for attention\, it gently disciplines perc eption and invites sustained awareness.\nThis academic-cum-practical sessi on explores the contemplative visual language of Ajanta\, situating it wit hin its Śāstric foundations while reflecting on its relevance for contem porary life. Moving seamlessly between theory and practice\, the programme demonstrates how classical Indian aesthetic systems function not merely a s artistic frameworks\, but as disciplines of attention\, perception\, and mental steadiness.\n\nSession Structure\nPart I — Academic Talk\nThe se ssion opens with an illustrated academic presentation on Śāstric princip les of Tāla–Māna / Pramāṇa—the classical systems of proportion an d measurement that shaped Indian visual culture. These principles are exam ined not simply as technical prescriptions\, but as conceptual structures that cultivate balance\, rhythm\, and disciplined seeing\, influencing bot h the artist’s inner state and the viewer’s experience.\n\nPart II — Demonstration &\; Contemplative Drawing Workshop\nThe focus then shift s to a guided demonstration and hands-on drawing workshop inspired by Ajan ta ceiling compositions and contemplative motifs. Participants are introdu ced to lotus forms\, rhythmic foliage\, and geometric–organic patterns c haracteristic of the Ajanta murals. Historically\, these motifs were desig ned to slow perception\, gently guide the eye\, and support meditative awa reness rather than visual excitement.\nThe workshop emphasises a deliberat e slowness of hand and eye\, sensitivity to rhythm\, spacing\, and repetit ion\, and an experiential understanding of mental stillness through form a nd process. This is not an exercise in copying\, but a reflective engageme nt with traditional motifs as a lived visual practice. All materials will be provided\, and no prior drawing experience is required.\n\nAjanta Motif s and Contemplation\nUnlike modern imagery that constantly vies for attent ion\, Ajanta’s motifs function as visual anchors for stillness. Their re petitive yet subtly varied forms encourage sustained observation\, allowin g the mind to settle into quiet focus. In today’s overstimulated environ ment—dominated by scrolling\, notifications\, and fragmented attention —such visual systems offer a meaningful counter-practice. Drawing Ajanta -inspired motifs becomes an intentional withdrawal from digital distractio n\, replacing passive consumption with mindful creation.\n\nWhy This Sessi on Matters Today\nThis programme invites participants to engage with India n art not only as visual heritage\, but as a contemplative and experientia l practice. It offers a structured way to step back from digital overload while gaining insight into how traditional Śāstric frameworks can nurtur e attention\, clarity\, and inner balance in contemporary life.\n\nAbout t he Artists &\; Educators\nMs. M. Jindal is an artist-educator engaged i n the study and teaching of classical Indian art principles. She will pres ent the academic introduction on Śāstric concepts of Tāla–Māna / Pra māṇa\, supported by visual slides and conceptual illustrations.\nDr. Si ndhu Saraswathy is an artist\, researcher\, and the author of four books o n Ajanta paintings: From Nāṭyaśāstra to Ajanta: The Evolution of Aest hetic Consciousness\, The Third Dimension at Ajanta\, Ajanta Unfolded: Flo ra\, Fauna and Figures\, and The Class-less Woman of Ajanta – Rememberin g the Serenity of a Forgotten World. Her work bridges Śāstric theory\, c lose visual analysis\, and studio-based practice\, with sustained research on Ajanta’s contemplative motifs and ceiling compositions. She will lea d the demonstration and hands-on drawing workshop.\n\nWho Should Attend\nT his session is open to art students\, practitioners\, educators\, research ers\, and members of the public interested in Indian art\, aesthetics\, an d contemplative visual practices.\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bhavan.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/1 2/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-18.33.20.png CATEGORIES:Festival LOCATION:Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan\, 4A Castletown Road\, London\, London\, W1 4 9HE\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=4A Castletown Road\, London \, London\, W14 9HE\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR