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Sacred Arts & Architecture Promoting Dignity Mutual Respect & Pluralism
An expression of bhakti The ARTS An expression of bhakti Performing Arts Music Architecture Helping devotees understand scripture & enabling a connection to the divine.
Performing Arts
The Natya Shastra an ancient text on the performing arts Defines the concepts of Mental States (rasas) Mood (bhavas) How to construct a stage How to direct How spectators should conduct themselves during a performance Many texts have been written since, further developing the art of drama.
Bhavas & Rasas moods & Mental States An artist enacts or plays out a mood to invoke an emotional state in the audience. Modulation Expression Movement Love Heroism Pity Awe Anger Terror Disgust Comedy
That create Moods & Mental States The 4 Skills That create Moods & Mental States Physical Movements Speech Costume & Makeup Facial Expression
Art as a means to Stories Spiritual Communal Physical Movements Speech Share traditions | grow spiritually Physical Movements Speech Costume & Makeup Facial Expression Stories Performers depict different stories from Hindu lore Spiritual Acting leads to spiritual progression for both the actor and the spectator Communal Hindus have been using drama as a tool for communal spiritual development for centuries
Music
Psychological & Spiritual States Evoked by music Singers and instrumentalists try to evoke different psychological and spiritual states They range from invigorating to soothing to healing
Creating Music to express bhakti Elements of Music Musical Scales (raga) 1 Beat (taal) 2 Volume 3 Bhajan or kirtan (hymns) are sung in temples or at home shrines by Hindus as expressions of devotion and community worship.
Architecture
The Vastu Shastra How to construct How to align human an ancient text on ARCHITECTURE How to construct homes and temples in the best manner How to align human construction with the natural energies of the cosmos orientation site planning proportionate measurements building components aesthetics 5 areas of expertise
Mandirs temples Entrance Direction Constant Grid 64 or 81 squares The entrance to the deity should always be facing east for morning sun to light up Entrance Direction They are planned on a grid of 64 or 81 squares common template Constant Grid
Hindu Homes exuding Balance & Harmony Five Elements Expert Consulting Hindus believe that the 5 elements & cosmic energy have the potential to influence human behavior. Hindus may consult with an expert in Vastu Shastra before buying a home or placing their furniture. They plan spaces which exude and enhance balance and harmony Some may avoid buying a home that faces south
harmony with the natural energy Key takEaways 4 performing arts skills: physical movements, speech, costume & makeup, facial expressions Create the audiences’ emotional state 3 Elements of music: Musical Scales, Beat, Volume Hindus use music to evoke different psychological and spiritual state. Hindu architecture aims to plan spaces in harmony with the natural energy of the universe Some may consult with an expert in Vastu Shastra before buying a home
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