Decode Yoga from Greek Art (Life Challenges)

Painting description: The painting depicts a dimly lit, underground cave with a small entrance allowing minimal natural light to enter. In the centre of the cave, there would be a large fire with chained prisoners seated facing a wall.

The prisoners are unable to move their heads, and their eyes are fixed on the wall, watching the casting shadows of objects onto the wall. The shadows represent the prisoners' perception of the world, which is incomplete and distorted.

Upon a prisoner’s release, he is initially overwhelmed and struggles to comprehend the reality of the outside world. This suggests that the truth can be bitter and difficult to accept at first, but ultimately leads to growth and transformation.

In the background, an individual is visible, who represents the philosopher who has escaped the cave from a small opening and has seen the true world beyond. This person is shown looking upwards towards the sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The painting emphasizes the stark contrast between the darkness and confinement of the cave and the freedom and beauty of the outside world, highlighting the importance of seeking knowledge and truth.

Life Lesson: Asking the right questions and seeking truth is the ultimate purpose of life.

Qualities developed: Self-discovery, Creativity, Contentment, Wisdom, Problem solving skills, Self-discipline, Practice, Patience, Perseverance

Ignorance

(Avidya)

The cave represents the human mind, which is often shrouded in ignorance and delusion which is called as avidya according to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Avidya is the term used to describe the fundamental ignorance or lack of awareness that is the root cause of all suffering and bondage in the world. It is the state of being deluded by the false perception that the material world is the ultimate reality and that our individual selves are separate from the universal consciousness. The prisoners in the cave represent we individuals who are trapped in our limited perceptions and beliefs, unable to see the truth beyond our own narrow perspective.

Avidya is considered to be the first of the five kleshas or sufferings that prevent us from experiencing true happiness and inner Self (individual consciousness- jivatma). It is through the practice of Kriya Yoga, which includes penance, self-discipline, faith, and the study of spiritual texts, that we can overcome Avidya and attain a state of enlightenment (samadhi/ nirvana) which is the ultimate goal of yoga.

In essence, the Yogic interpretation of the Allegory of the Cave teaches us that we are not simply physical beings living in a material world, but rather spiritual beings having a subjective experience. Societies will always have a majority of people who prefer ignorance over knowledge, with only a few individuals, like the philosopher, who have attained enlightenment and possess true knowledge. Therefore, the philosopher should not feel vulnerable or give up on their path of seeking truth. Through the practice of Yoga, we can awaken to our true nature and realize the divine consciousness that lies within us all.

Chapter 2

Ego (Asmita)

Landscape with the Fall of Icarus and Rama’s ferocity against Sagar

Painting description: The painting depicts the mythological story of Icarus falling from the sky into the sea after his wings melted because he flew too close to the sun.

In the story, Icarus and his father, Daedalus, are imprisoned on the island of Crete. Daedalus, who is a skilled craftsman, creates a set of wings for himself and his son to escape from the island by flying away. He warns Icarus not to fly too close to the sun, as the heat will melt the wax that holds the feathers of the wings together. Icarus, however, becomes overconfident in his abilities and disregards his father's warning.

He flies higher and higher, getting closer to the sun, until the wax melts and the feathers of his wings come apart. Icarus falls into the sea and drowns.

In the painting the plowman, the shepherd, and the sailor do not appear to notice Icarus' demise, as they go about their work without pause. It suggests that people continue with their daily lives and concerns, seemingly unaffected by the tragedy that has occurred.

Finally, the story reminds us of the consequences of our actions arising from overconfidence. Listening to advice from wise people and understanding one’s limitations is always important.

Life Lesson: Pride and overconfidence can lead to disastrous consequences. It reminds us of the importance of humility since life continues even without the presence of a single individual, however great they might feel of themselves.

Qualities developed: Humility, Patience, Obedience, Attention to details, Observation skills, Perseverance, Responsibility, Appreciation for life, Adaptability and Self-awareness

Ego

(Asmita)

From a yogic perspective, the painting can be interpreted as a lesson on the consequences of having excess pride and overconfidence. The concept of asmita or ego in yoga philosophy refers to the sense of individuality and identification with the self. In the painting "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus," Icarus' downfall can be attributed to his asmita, which led to overconfidence and pride.

His belief in his invincibility caused him to ignore his father's warning and ultimately led to his tragic end. The painting serves as a warning about the dangers of ego (asmita) and the importance of cultivating humility.

The larger world around Icarus in the painting, with the farmers, shepherd, and plowman continuing their work unaffected by Icarus' fall, reminds us of the impermanence of the ego. To find true fulfillment and happiness, it is essential to transcend the identification with the self and recognize our interconnectedness with the world around us.

Addiction (Raga)

The rape of Europa and abduction of Sita

Painting description: The painting depicts the mythological tale of Zeus, the king of gods, who in the form of a bull, abducted Europa, a Phoenician princess, and took her to the island of Crete. Later they had children together. Eventually, Zeus returned Europa to her homeland, and she became the queen of Crete, a kingdom in Greece.

The painting shows Europa, a beautiful young woman, sitting atop the back of a powerful bull.

Europa's expression is one of surprise and fear, and she clings to the bull's horns for safety suggesting the danger of unchecked desire and the importance of consent. The bull can be seen as a symbol of power and fertility, while Europa represents innocence and beauty. Behind them, a group of cherubs hovers in the air, playing musical instruments reflecting the lack of interest in saving Europa. The use of color is particularly striking, with Europa's red dress and the bull's golden fur standing out against the cool blues and greens of the ocean representing the tension between beauty and danger.

Life Lesson: The painting describes the complexity of human behaviour and abuse of power. It focuses on exploitation of the weak at the hands of few strong people and the long-term consequences of actions taken under the influence of strong desires.

Qualities developed: Self-control, Mutual consent, Power dynamics, Exploitation, Far reaching consequences and Dangers of Lust, Emotion, Desires, Passion, Autonomy

Addiction and Lust (Raga)

The five sufferings (Pancha Kleshas) are a concept in yoga philosophy that describe the five main causes of pain in life, which prevent the individual from achieving spiritual liberation.

Raga, as one of the five sufferings, represents the attachment to material and sensual pleasures, which create a sense of dependence and attachment to external things leading to sufferings, rather than cultivating an inner sense of peace and contentment.

In the story of the rape of Europa, Zeus's attachment is portrayed as leading to the abduction and rape of Europa against her will, which reduces Zeus's credibility as the king of the gods. Therefore, one should learn to develop control over one's sensual attachments and addictions in life.

Aversion (Dwesha)

The Fury of Athamas and Kaushika

Painting description: This painting depicts the story of Athamas, who was driven mad by Hera and killed his own children. In the painting, Athamas is shown with a wild expression, while his wife Ino tries to save their children from his rage with a pleading expression on her face. Athamas was a king of Boeotia in ancient Greece. He married Nephele, who bore him two children - a son named Phrixus and a daughter named Helle. However, Athamas later fell in love with Ino, the daughter of Cadmus, the founder of Thebes. Nephele became jealous of Ino and fled, leaving her children behind.

Ino convinced Athamas to sacrifice his son Phrixus to the gods, as she wanted her own children to inherit the throne. However, at the last moment, Nephele sent a golden-fleeced ram to rescue her son, and Phrixus and Helle rode on the ram's back across the sea. However, Helle fell off the ram and drowned in the sea, which became known as the Hellespont (Helle's Sea). Athamas later went mad and killed his own son Learchus, mistaking him for a wild animal. Ino, fearing for her life, fled with her surviving son Melicertes and jumped off a cliff into the sea. The gods took pity on her and transformed her and Melicertes into sea deities.

The tragic story of Athamas is often cited as an example of the dangers of jealousy and obsession, which can lead to madness and tragedy.

Life Lesson: The painting describes the tragic story of king Athamas as an example of the dangers of hatred, jealousy and obsession, which can lead to madness and tragedy.

Qualities developed: Hazards of rage and hatred, Impulsive decision, Importance of seeking help, Forgiveness, Anger management

Aversion and Hatred (Dwesha)

Dwesha is one of the five kleshas (afflictions) mentioned in the Yoga Sutras, which are obstacles to spiritual growth and liberation. Dwesha is often translated as aversion, dislike, or hatred.

According to the Yoga Sutras, dwesha arises from attachment and identification with sensory experiences and is characterized by a strong aversion or repulsion towards certain experiences, people, or situations.

This aversion is often rooted in fear, past experiences, or a sense of superiority or inferiority. Dwesha can create inner conflict and cause suffering, as it leads to a sense of separation and a narrow-minded view of the world. It can also lead to harmful behavior towards oneself and others. The hatred of Athamas created by Hera, made him mad killing his own son Learchus and responsible for the death of his wife Ino and another son

Melicertes.

To overcome dwesha, the Yoga Sutras prescribe cultivating the opposite qualities like love and compassion towards all beings, as well as practicing detachment and equanimity towards sensory experiences.(pratiprasav) This can be achieved through various practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and selfless service.

Painting description: The painting depicts the Transfiguration of Jesus. The story goes that Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Then, Moses and Elijah appeared beside him and spoke with him.

Raphael's painting is divided into two distinct parts. The upper part shows the transfigured Jesus, with Moses and Elijah on either side of him.

Jesus is shown floating in the air, surrounded by a radiant light that illuminates the entire scene.

The lower half of the painting shows a separate scene that takes place at the foot of the mountain. Here, a man brings his possessed son to the apostles, hoping that they can cure him. However, they are unable to do so, and Jesus is needed to perform the healing. This story is recounted in the Gospel of Mark (9:14-29) and Gospel of Matthew (17:1-9)

Life Lesson: The painting highlights the power and glory of Jesus as he is transfigured before his apostles and is needed to perform the healing of a possessed child.

Qualities developed: Detachment, Love, Compassion, Duty, Spirituality, Faith, Peace, Duality, Evolution, Transformation

Fear of dying (Abhinivesha)

Abhinivesha, which is the fear of dying or clinging to life, is one of the five Kleshas mentioned in the Yoga Sutras. It arises from the primal urge to survive and is considered a significant obstacle on the path to self-realization.

This fear can manifest in various ways, such as fear of death or loss, and it can prevent individuals from reaching a higher state of consciousness.

To overcome Abhinivesha, one must practice detachment from the physical body and identify with the true self, which is beyond the limitations of the physical realm.

Meditation and other yogic practices can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and gradually let go of attachment to the physical body and fear of death. By transcending this fear and embracing the impermanence of life, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace, contentment, and freedom, ultimately leading to self-realization and spiritual enlightenment.