Siva's Immovable Yogi

Our artist, Suresh Mutthukulam of Kerala, recently finished one more of the ten paintings he is doing to illustrate Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami's commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a book we plan to publish next year. Suresh is without a doubt one of India's most accomplished artists with a powerful graphic vocabulary of ideas. He often paints murals on Siva temples. Here he takes the famed story of Buddha under the banyan tree, assailed on all sides by threats, temptations, desires, distractions and fascinations of all sorts. Yet, he is not moved, but remains summa, still, centered on God Siva within. The story speaks of a few of the enticements.

On the spiritual path all will confront their fears and attractiions, things that conspire to take us off the straight path. Like the yogi, we must remain resolute and detached.

Below demons attack the meditating yogi with their swords of hate and arrows of fear.

Above the devas know well the strength needed, and send their divine blessings to the yogi, urging him to stay the course.

Seductive maidens dance to lure him into the carnal world.

The wealthy bring gems and fine silk and rich treasures to purchase his attention.

A magician and his wife beguile the yogi with spellbinding illusions. She holds a cloth that conceals unspeakable wonders.

Others have cooked sumptuous foods and invite him to their home for a feast.

A renowned pundit tests the yogi\

s mind, by offering vast knowledge and learning. '

But with Siva\

s powerful Grace, repreesented by the Trisula, the yogi maintains his deep sadhana of meditation into contemplation. '
}

];