This is an age-old practice of passing down knowledge from the Guru (teacher) to Shishya (student). In the olden days, the Guru would pass down his knowledge to his Shishya in a Gurukul. The Shishya would stay and learn from his Guru. After gaining knowledge, the Shishya would then pass it down to his own disciples. This ‘Parampara,’ or the succession of teachers and disciples through a tradition of spiritual relationship and mentoring, is still prevalent today among traditional artists.
Role of Guru / Teacher
To learn any art form, be it lines or any other, a Guru is needed. A Guru simplifies concepts with his expertise and experience, thus making learning easier and faster for the student.
Significance
Therapeutic for all. It helps relax the body, mind, and soul. A child, if given a piece of paper, scribbles random lines and irregular circles all over, resulting in a messy-looking paper. This is exactly what we will do in our first loosening exercise given at the end of this chapter. Under the guidance of a Guru, we will then learn to use lines to create impactful forms and images. Thus, the significance of Dhyan, meditation, and deep breathing.
Six Fundamental Principles of Spirituality and Tradition
Art is not just a play of lines and colors but a deeper journey within that connects with the soul of the artist. These fundamental principles help us dive deeper into the artist’s soul and understand the principles of traditional Indian painting. These are:
Dhyaan or Meditation
Pranayama or the Practice of Deep Controlled Breathing
Be Childlike: Inquisitive, Innocent, and Simple
Show Respect Towards Your Guru: Perhaps the most significant of them all, as you go with the intention of testing your Guru, you gain nothing.
Be Humble: For when ego sets in, learning ceases to be.
Practice Maun or Silence
Meditation
We must strive towards drawing inspiration from our surroundings and then creating our own subjects using different elements of art such as lines, texture, color, shape, form, value, and space. This can only come with Meditation. Meditation helps us dive within our heart and soul, and whatever we draw then becomes our own original composition, which has come from within our heart. Thousands of years ago, our Rishi-Munis (sages) went to the Himalayas to meditate and attain siddhi. They not only gained spiritual knowledge but also made many inventions. It’s the same with art.
The relationship between meditation and traditional Indian painting is age-old and as deep as the practice of meditation itself. Meditation before painting improves our concentration and focus, which in turn enhances our creativity, making the work original, unique, and well-balanced. It also helps artists understand the depth of emotions, making their work more spontaneous, original, deep, aesthetically appealing, sensitive, and impactful. Without meditation, an artist will only be able to do copy work and not create his own original compositions or paintings. With meditation comes originality, and as an artist, our focus should be on this only.
Practicing Meditation
Sit comfortably and easily, close your eyes, think of your Guru or any god you believe in, or just think of your parents if nothing else. Keep your spine erect. You will have thoughts coming, but let them pass until your mind becomes empty and thoughtless. Practice this for at least three weeks and see what changes within. You can do this anywhere, and the results will be amazing. With continuous practice, you will be able to dive within and create new original works of any nature.
Pranayama or the Practice of Deep Controlled Breathing
In Indian art, Pranayama and line drawing go hand in hand. The line is the most significant artistic element. The lines not only define the character and flavor of a painting but also show the experience of an artist. With Pranayama, an artist is able to draw lines with greater stability and precision.
Benefits of Pranayama & Meditation
Pranayama is a yogic breathing process to enhance the flow and control over one’s breath. Practicing Pranayama regularly not only gives an artist greater control over breath and lines but also helps improve memory and concentration. Controlled and fluid lines not only beautify a painting but also add vitality and dynamism to the artwork.
Practice of Silence or Maun
Silence holds profound significance in the creative process, particularly in traditional Indian miniature art. This state of tranquility enables artists to delve deep into their inner selves, allowing their intuition and inner voice to guide their creative journey. The resulting artworks are more authentic, detailed, and meaningful.
Silence is not just a state of quietness but a meditative and spiritual practice. It provides consistency in the artist's creative journey, fostering peace and self-awareness. This inner peace enhances the artist's ability to create from the heart and soul, producing works that are both profound and appealing.
In traditional Indian miniature art, the practice of silence is integral to the creative process. It enriches the artist's work, infusing it with authenticity, depth, and a reflection of their spiritual journey. This practice elevates the artwork, making it a true representation of the artist's inner world and their connection to the universe.