Śāstric Principles and Contemplative Motifs of Ajanta

About the Artist & Educators

Ms. M. Jindal is an artist educator engaged in the study and teaching of classical Indian art principles. She will open the session with an academic presentation on Śāstric principles of Tala–Mana / Pramāṇa, supported by visual slides, situating proportion, rhythm, and measurement within traditional aesthetic frameworks.

Sindhu Saraswathy is an artist, researcher, and author of four books on Ajanta paintings:
From Nāṭyaśāstra to Ajanta: The Evolution of Aesthetic Consciousness,
The Third Dimension at Ajanta,
Ajanta Unfolded: Flora, Fauna and Figures, and
T he Class-less Woman of Ajanat -Remembering the Serenity of a Forgotten World

Her work bridges Śāstric theory, visual analysis, and studio-based practice, with a sustained focus on contemplative motifs and ceiling compositions at Ajanta. In this session, she will lead a detailed demonstrative and hands-on workshop, guiding participants through contemplative drawing practices inspired by Ajanta motifs.Contemplative Motifs of Ajanta: From Śāstric Thought to Experiential Practice

In an age marked by constant visual stimulation, rapid consumption of images, and continuous engagement with social media, traditional Indian art offers a profoundly different way of seeing—one that is slow, inward, and contemplative.

This academic-cum-practical session explores the contemplative motifs of Ajanta, situating them within their Śāstric foundations and examining their relevance for contemporary life.

About the Session

The session begins with a short academic talk introducing the Śāstric principles of Tala–Mana / Pramāṇa, the classical systems of proportion that governed Indian visual culture. These principles are not merely technical rules, but frameworks that cultivate balance, rhythm, and mental discipline in both the artist and the viewer.

The focus then shifts to a detailed demonstrative and hands-on workshop on Contemplative Motifs drawn from Ajanta, particularly as seen in ceiling compositions. Ajanta’s motifs—lotus forms, rhythmic foliage, geometric and organic patterns—were designed to slow perception, guide the eye gently, and support meditative awareness rather than visual excitement.

Ajanta Motifs and Contemplation

Unlike modern imagery that competes for attention, Ajanta motifs function as visual anchors for stillness. Their repetitive yet subtle variations encourage sustained observation, allowing the mind to settle into a state of quiet focus. These motifs were historically experienced in sacred spaces where art, architecture, and contemplation were inseparable.

In today’s overstimulated world—dominated by scrolling, notifications, and fragmented attention—such visual systems offer a powerful counter-practice. Engaging with Ajanta motifs through drawing becomes an act of withdrawal from digital distraction, replacing passive consumption with active, mindful creation.

Workshop Experience

Participants will be guided through a live demonstration and then invited to draw contemplative motifs inspired by Ajanta ceiling compositions. This is not a copying exercise, but a reflective process that emphasizes:

• Slowness of hand and eye
• Awareness of rhythm and spacing
• Mental stillness through repetition and form

All materials will be provided, and no prior drawing experience is required.

Why This Matters Today

This session offers:

• A rare opportunity to engage with Indian art as a contemplative practice, not just a visual tradition
• A structured way to disconnect from social media and digital overload
• A practical experience of how traditional art can support mental clarity, attention, and inner balance

Who Should Attend

Art students, practitioners, educators, researchers, and anyone seeking a deeper, reflective engagement with Indian art and contemplative practices.

https://re-searchhindu.org/books/

https://re-searchhindu.org/ajanta-art-competition/