Jainism, a doctrine beyond the mortal world

What should be the ultimate destination of the spiritual realm? What’s your expectation from the spiritual world? If it’s related to the mortal world, such as money, property, wealth, etc, then it’s not for you. But if you want peace, liberty from any boundaries, live happily without any turmoil, and purity of the soul, then the world of Jainism will welcome you to the halo of self-realization.  It’s the ultimate destination of a human being to stay on a lotus of endless joy and purity. It's a doctrine beyond the mortal world. There is nothing to gain, nothing to lose.

I usually avoid commissioned work requests. Because the subject often does not match my mental scaffolding, and my soul does not inspire me to work with it. Recently, I got such a request, and I was pleased to accept it. The subject was related to one of the most popular spiritual streams of Hinduism. It’s Jainism. I embarked upon a modest endeavor to peer into the profound depths of the Jainist world, gathering observations and seeking the resonance of holy symbols, before sharing my mental scaffolding with the art collector. Finally, I start painting.

Jainism

Room Demonstration

For me, this work is an exploration of the luminous path toward liberation, rooted in the profound spiritual tenets of Jainism. At its center resides the human figure, not as a mere physical form, but as a vessel of golden light, representing the soul’s journey toward the state of Siddha—the ultimate purity and infinite knowledge. The use of gold serves as a bridge between the material and the divine, echoing the internal radiance that emerges when the spirit is cleansed of the karmic dust of the world.

The lotus serves as the foundation of this spiritual geometry, symbolizing the soul that remains untouched by the mire of worldly existence. Its petals unfold with a rhythmic precision, mirroring the step-by-step awakening of the practitioner as they navigate the path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. The orange across the painting represents the forsaking, which is the basis for starting a journey towards the space where divinity transforms into a deep, meditative certitude. Without forsaking, no one can achieve the heavenly destination.

The celestial sun at the apex acts as the final destination of this vertical ascent—a beacon of pure consciousness that draws the spirit upward. Every golden splash across the canvas is an invitation to witness the "blooming" of heavenly power, a reminder that the spirit, like the lotus, possesses an inherent capacity to transcend the mundane and vibrate with the eternal frequencies of peace and universal harmony.

From my perspective, this was not merely a painting but an act of worship. I wish to express my utmost reverence to the 24 Tirthankaras whose blessings guided me in completing this artwork.

How do you feel about this? I would appreciate it if you could share your insights. Thank you.