समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Gurumayi’s teaching “The art of time” brought to mind works of art and images of nature shaped by time’s passage.
On a beach in Southern California, I saw a massive tree trunk lying in the shallow water, covered with vibrant green moss created by moisture, shade—and time. I recalled layers of color on rocks created by erosion over time, and three-thousand-year-old frescoes in their original colors that I’d seen in a film; they’d been discovered on Roman walls during excavations to build a modern subway. Most of all, I remembered the tombs of the pharaohs I once visited in Egypt, unearthed by archaeologists at the turn of the twentieth century, with the lively blues, reds, and yellows of the paintings on the wall and ceiling preserved by time over nearly four millennia.
Contemplating “The art of time” through these images, I saw time as an artist who, with just the right weather conditions, transforms and enhances beauty. And I saw time as also preserving art buried underground for thousands of years. Time is the greatest artist!
On a beach in Southern California, I saw a massive tree trunk lying in the shallow water, covered with vibrant green moss created by moisture, shade—and time. I recalled layers of color on rocks created by erosion over time, and three-thousand-year-old frescoes in their original colors that I’d seen in a film; they’d been discovered on Roman walls during excavations to build a modern subway. Most of all, I remembered the tombs of the pharaohs I once visited in Egypt, unearthed by archaeologists at the turn of the twentieth century, with the lively blues, reds, and yellows of the paintings on the wall and ceiling preserved by time over nearly four millennia.
Contemplating “The art of time” through these images, I saw time as an artist who, with just the right weather conditions, transforms and enhances beauty. And I saw time as also preserving art buried underground for thousands of years. Time is the greatest artist!
California, United States
When I first saw this teaching, I was drawn to it immediately. I repeated it to myself over and over, in order to get a feel for it. After a while, I realized that I can regard time like a work of art which begins with a blank canvas. I can be mindful to fill the blank canvas of time with skill, beauty, and joy.
Being aware of this is helping me put “the art of time” into practice.
Being aware of this is helping me put “the art of time” into practice.
Ripon, United Kingdom
“The art of time!” To me that encompasses wondrous sculptures that manifest in nature and in ancient man-made sites, as well as in a sunset in its moment-to-moment utter beauty. Time makes everything a work of art; time embroiders this world of ours. Whatever once seemed immutable and timeless eventually grows and transforms, then ages, dies, and decays.
Overall, though, “the art of time” makes everything become beautiful, by acquiring qualities that enhance its unique beauty, tracing a story and identity that are marvels. Time signs its art with its trademark—ever changing, ever dynamic, ever filled with great wonder.
Overall, though, “the art of time” makes everything become beautiful, by acquiring qualities that enhance its unique beauty, tracing a story and identity that are marvels. Time signs its art with its trademark—ever changing, ever dynamic, ever filled with great wonder.
Milan, Italy
I feel “the art of time” is in the magic and mystery—of a seed becoming a plant; of the growth from one cell to the birth of a baby; of water carving out the Grand Canyon; of the path of a human being awakened by grace to experience sadhana and progress toward liberation.
California, United States
From my first meeting of Gurumayi in 1995, time became artful: expansive in meditation, flexible in seva, blissful in chanting, insightful in the pauses. Then in 2018, time literally became art. I injured my shoulder and needed to redirect my focus from the attention-grabbing pain. I began to paint, becoming completely absorbed in color, shape, and composition.
Now fully recovered, I have continued my daily practices of meditation, chanting, and singing Kundalini Stavaha at the beginning of each art session. I listen to the guidance of time, cooperate with its rhythms, and see how intuition and discernment flow when I respect it. I am very grateful for “the art of time.”
Now fully recovered, I have continued my daily practices of meditation, chanting, and singing Kundalini Stavaha at the beginning of each art session. I listen to the guidance of time, cooperate with its rhythms, and see how intuition and discernment flow when I respect it. I am very grateful for “the art of time.”
Massachusetts, United States
Time is a great artist.
Time shaped the universe from the plasma state following the Big Bang.
Time shapes the mountains, the canyons, the cliffs.
Time shapes our faces and bodies.
Time shapes our personalities.
Time shapes my sadhana.
Time is a master carver.
Time shaped the universe from the plasma state following the Big Bang.
Time shapes the mountains, the canyons, the cliffs.
Time shapes our faces and bodies.
Time shapes our personalities.
Time shapes my sadhana.
Time is a master carver.
Paris, France