Aum № 4
    78 x 78"
    Acrylic and graphite on canvas
    2022

    Imprinted with the sacred Sanskrit syllable “Aum”, chanted by Sri Chinmoy.


    Within multiple traditions “Aum” is considered the “seed-sound of the universe”. It prefaces all mantras from the Vedas, which hold the most ancient body of knowledge known to humanity.


    With deep gratitude to Sri Chinmoy for his contemporary musical compositions of these ancient mantras, created and performed in a lofty state of consciousness.


    Music credit: Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.

    Gayatri Mantra № 2
    78 x 78"
    Acrylic and graphite on canvas
    2022

    Imprinted with the Gayatri Mantra, considered the most hallowed mantra of the Vedas and "mother of all the mantras“.


    Aum bhur bhuvah svah 

    tat savitur varenyam 

    bhargo devasya dhimahi 

    dhiyo yo nah pracodayat 


    We meditate on the transcendental glory of the Deity Supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky and inside the soul of the Heaven. May He stimulate and illumine our minds.


    This Vedic mantra was envisioned by the great Rishi, Vishwamitra. Sri Chinmoy writes: “The Gayatri Mantra is the most hallowed mantra of the Vedas. It is the mother of all the mantras…[It] can offer to the sincere seeker the Light of the Infinite, the Delight of the Eternal, and the Life of the Immortal.”


    This musical composition was created and performed by Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.

    Delight № 2
    67 x 64"
    Acrylic and graphite on canvas
    2022-23

    Imprinted with the mantra from the Upanishads:


    Anandaddhyeva khalvimani bhutani jayante

    Anandena jatani jivanti

    Anandam prayantyabhisamvisanti


    From Delight we came into existence. 

    In Delight we grow. 

    At the end of our journey’s close, into Delight we retire. 


    This musical composition was created and performed by Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.

    Lead me from the Unreal to the Real
    61 x 67"
    Acrylic and watercolor on canvas
    2022-23

    Imprinted with the mantra from the Upanishads:


    Asato ma sad gamaya 

    Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya 

    Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya


    Lead me from the Unreal to the Real. 

    Lead me from Darkness to Light. 

    Lead me from Death to Immortality.


    “The Upanishads are intuitive revelations derived from the Vedas...For centuries, the firmament of India has resounded with this beloved and immortal prayer" - Sri Chinmoy


    This musical composition was created and performed by Sri Chinmoy, using this audio excerpt.








    With thanks to Maggie Pavao and Chelsie Niemi for photos



    Link to Dennos Museum




    For more about process, visit: Residency Photos or Tusen Takk studio notes