Kensho ~ Seeing into one’s true nature. A Zen collection of lyrically abstracted Buddha’s and stunning representations of nature by artist Sarfaraz Laskari.

Kensho ~ Seeing into one’s true nature

In Zen traditions, ‘Ken’ translates to ‘seeing’ and ‘Sho’ means ‘nature’ or ‘essence.’ Kensho is widely used to describe enlightenment. Our journey involves discovering our own true self and being true to that essence.

The natural mind is the Buddha’s mind. This serene series of lyrically abstracted Buddhas and stunning representations of nature take you to a place of silence, peace & joy. Through these paintings we are inviting you to have a pure, direct experience, where the inner and outer worlds rhyme.

“There is an amalgamation of form with poetical abstraction in the representations, a beautiful play of colours and technique.” says the curator Jalpa Vithalani.

Under the umbrella of KENSHO, we take you on a Zen journey.

The exhibition showcases a ‘Shikantaza’ series which literally means to sit and depicts a practice of Zen Buddhism that involves understanding emptiness. This ‘Silent Illumination’ is the purest manifestation of Zen because mind and body are completely forgotten and we are at complete oneness with the whole universe.

The purpose of Shikantaza is to move beyond our interpretations of reality and actualize emptiness.When we reflect that there is another world beyond our limited experience, we can empty ourselves of preconceived ideas and accept things as they are.

The beautiful Lotus series, Pipala series, the Fig tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, Rushen series ~ denoting & depicting clarity, a Nature series also form part of this unique exhibition.

‘To empty’ water from a cup does not mean to drink it up. ‘To empty’ means to have direct, pure experience without relying on the form or color of being. So that our experience is ‘empty’ of our preconceived ideas and we reach the point of seeing into one’s true nature, the experience of Satori. This illumination is the realization of knowing your essence.

About the Artist

Sarfaraz Laskari’s paintings have this unique luster and visual representation, which is deeply inspired by his direct experiences and his genetic roots. The artist’s philosophies are influenced by spiritualists like Eckhart Tolle, Rupert Spira, Mooji & Allan Watts.

An interior designer by profession, Sarfaraz has this passion for art. His organic natural, simple, fresh & tranquil approach to life reflects on his canvas. His creativity is fueled by his practice of art and music. As an artist, he makes use of multitude of mediums that include alcohol inks, water colours, pen-ink, digital mediums, oils and acrylics on canvas.

Sarfaraz’s artistic freedom showcases Buddhist perception - everything is alive and influences everything else revealing bio-spirituality.

The artist has showcased his works in a solo show in London that was well received. This is his second solo show in India at Cosmic Heart Gallery. His Buddha series ‘Mindfulness’ were showcased at WOW Women’s Awards in an exclusive art walk and also at a Tibetan Wellness Camp of His Holiness’s Hospital, Men Tsee Khang by Cosmic Heart Gallery.

The curator Jalpa Vithalani & the talented artist have presented his prized creation to His Holiness in Mumbai and were blessed beautifully.

Artist’s Note - The Process:

Conceptually, I have been extruding on the same narrative, of self-discovery and alignment with the pursuits of consciousness through meditation. In the new series, I did not want to restrict myself to and be a prisoner of just one style. Working with acrylics and conventional paint mediums earlier, I now wanted to further explore and squander resources available. As an artist we need to step out of our comfort to create, experiment and experience.

The alcohol inks and fluid mediums require you to engage your instincts to a greater extent. There is no undoing. The process is a lot more spontaneous and requires nimble execution, as the inks dry fast. The approach is less structured as compared to acrylics and oil mediums.

Working with a creative innocence, you do not expect to arrive. It is the journey, but along the way you bloom under the freshness of an unrepeatable moment.

You have to be an audience to your art, but also let it be your salvation. The joy of painting and the sensual experience that it is; is what fulfils me.

MINDFULNESS ~ An Awakened Mind

A stunning series of Buddha by Sarfaraz Laskari

Mindfulness transcends time and space and can be very empowering. Buddha used every opportunity to awaken, whether in daily life, in His blissful state or even during the death process. We can all choose to be on the path of conscious evolution on the journey.

Buddha is the world-renowned teacher, philosopher and spiritual leader who achieved enlightenment while meditating under a fig tree in ancient India. It is believed that by studying his calm gaze and serene posture, one may begin to unravel the mysteries of inner harmony and personal peace.

The lotus flower unfolding its petals symbolises one reaching a deeper state of consciousness, as the soul expands. It represents purity, divine beauty and encompasses all of life. It rises from muddy waters, symbolizing achieving spiritual enlightenment and breaking free from basic instinctive impulses. It evokes the idea of evolution with its slow ascent out of the mud.

‘Mindfulness’ has been the artist’s pursuit of passion & purpose. The icon of Buddha portrays you and me. Anyone with ‘Buddhi’; an awakened mind is a Buddha.

We launch this ethereal collection ‘Mindfulness’ in the auspicious month of Vaishakh where, Buddhists pledge to lead a noble life according to the teaching by making daily affirmations to observe the precepts and train themselves to practice morality, simplicity and humility.

Buddhism nurtures a sense of determination to lead noble lives, to develop the mind, to practice loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity. The artist believes that we are surrounded by inspiration and all we need is to choose the right lens. This collection is not just mere artworks of a painter, but his ongoing personal journey of awakening.

The realm of art represents so many things. ‘Mindfuless’ series being reflective art, encourages you to find a connection. The purpose of this collection is to enhance the beauty of your space, to add the frequency of harmony & peace and to make you attentive. It is a homage to self, in the pursuit of conscious evolution.

“Sarfaraz has created these paintings in a soothing pallete & beautiful blend of colours. Placing a Buddha at the entrance of a home is revered as auspicious; ushering in a sense of calm. When we are fully present in the moment, life itself can be enhanced and our soul nurtured, living and engaging with conscious choices.” Says curator Jalpa H Vithalani.

The artist believes that we are surrounded by inspiration and all we need is to choose the right lens. This collection is not just mere artworks of a painter, but his ongoing personal journey of awakening.