We all heard that the East is subtle but when it comes to practice, these subtleties are often completely forgotten. Which shouldn’t be done, really, because as we know God is in the details.
A delicate statuette of an Apsaras, Indian dancer, in the living room, or a colourful Thangka in the bedroom will brighten the familiar interior, adding a piquant oriental note to it. However, there are some rules for using these objects.
There are still many people who love oriental style or simply wish to decorate their interior with arts and crafts from Southeast Asia. But when you bring oriental art into your home you should always remember that many of them serve a religious purpose and are first of all objects of worship, not decorative elements. So before placing an interior decoration at home or in the office you’d better find out what it means and what it’s used for.
For instance, images of Buddha as well as of Buddhist and Hindu deities shouldn’t be places in the way, in busy areas where people can stumble over them, push them or show disrespect in any other way. It’s strictly prohibited to step across a Buddha image, so a rug with a Buddha or some Buddhist or Hindu deity is definitely a bad idea. The same can be said about putting a statue of Buddha on the sideboard, next to wineglasses and candles. But in the office an image of Buddha is quite appropriate: it fills its owner with calm and enlightenment, brings him or her into a meditative mood during rest or work. It can also be placed in a prominent spot in the living room to form a certain image of the room and its owners.
As a rule, deity images, especially when they’re made in a very artistic manner, deserve a special place: if possible, they should be put on some kind of altar with incense and flowers.
Naturally, religious objects that are also examples of traditional arts and crafts carry a sacred message. If you are aware of it you can make their energetic and sacred potential serve your own purpose.
For instance, the image of Ganesha, Hindu god of wisdom, luck and abundance, is considered to be the patron of entrepreneurs: many a businessman have noticed that Ganesha at the office or conference room brings success and prosperity. Besides, this unusual elephant-headed deity stimulates the learning process. It’s recommended to place the statue of Ganesha in the child’s room to improve academic achievements.
Thangkas that illustrate the so called angry deities shouldn’t be placed in a child’s room or bedroom. Such kind of Thangka should be put in a busy area, for instance, in the living room: Thangkas representing both peaceful and angry deities are often very delicate and interesting pieces and true works of art. Remember that even if the deity is angry it doesn’t mean they’re bad: their "angry" aspect reminds us of different human qualities that should be kept under control.
On the contrary, a Thangka with a Green or White Tara in the bedroom is quite appropriate. These deities are associated with physical and mental health, their images have a purifying effect and improve your sleep.
A universal decoration which also has a purifying and protecting function is a Navaratna rug. Made with gemstones (9 stones - diamond, ruby, emerald, coral, pearl, sapphire, garnet, topaz and cat’s eye – symbolize basic elements - planets of the solar system) and metals, these elegant and very beautiful rugs will be a fine decoration of any home.
The famous singing bowls will also look appropriate almost in every home. They can be used not only as a decoration but also practically: they generate overtones that have a positive effect on human wellbeing. Of course you shouldn’t expect them to cure all your illnesses, but they’ll certainly raise your spirits and vitality.
Another example is Sarasvati, a deity in the Buddhist and Hindu tradition. It’s a creative deity, judging both on her looks and attributing objects. A patron of science and arts and a symbol of purity, beauty and creativity, she’ll look great in an artist’s studio or in the office of a person whose job involves creative matters.
To find out more about symbolic meaning and purpose of oriental art objects, ask the experts of Lakshmi Gallery.
Alexey Nikitin
Photoreport
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