1. HAFSITE.ORG

2. Sacred Arts & Architecture
Promoting Dignity Mutual Respect & Pluralism

3. An expression of bhakti
The ARTS
An expression of bhakti
Performing Arts
Music
Architecture
Helping devotees understand scripture & enabling a connection to the divine.

4. Performing Arts

5. 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.

6. 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

7. That create Moods & Mental States
The 4 Skills
That create Moods & Mental States
Physical Movements
Speech
Costume &
Makeup
Facial
Expression

8. 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

9. Music

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Architecture

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. THANK YOU