Black & White Charcoal

16" x 24"

2013

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This black and white charcoal drawing was inspired by concepts within Hinduism, specifically focusing on the practices and beliefs of many sadhus (holy men- “good men”) who roam throughout the country of India on spiritual journeys.

Shortly after learning about Hinduism in a philosophy class at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, I found more information about Sadhus in a book I was reading at the time, titled, The Man Who Quit Money, by Mark Sundeen. In conjunction with the knowledge attained from Dr. Moosa’s philosophy class, this book revealed to me how these spiritually-focused Sadhus live in the wilderness of India, seeking spiritual enlightenment through their renunciation of the secular. Many devote their lives to emulating the god Shiva, by practicing yoga, meditation, fasting, wearing their hair in dreadlocks, and smoking charas (hash). In contrast to American society’s views, these men are respected and valued members of Indian society for their dedication to their spirituality and to maintaining detachment from the material world. Indian society views Sadhus’ austere practices as valid means for burning off the karma of individuals and of the community at large, thus Sadhus belong to the highest caste within Indian society, the Brahmins.

For the portraiture part of this piece, I referenced a photograph of an actual Indian Sadhu. In conducting further research, I discovered that swans are a symbol of detachment in Hindu iconography, and rightfully so, given the following symbolic analogy: Much like the holy men of India, who are present in their bodily existence yet strictly resist attachment to anything worldly, swans can sit in water (the world), yet without getting wet (attached) due to the oils in their feathers (or in the Sadhu’s case, devotion to strict asceticism).

For Sadhus, this renunciation of the worldly is seen as a necessary step towards attaining moksha, or liberation. It is for this reason that the top of the figure’s head slowly disintegrates as it moves upwards; because in this belief system the higher or more enlightened one becomes, the less significant the physical plane is as one directs their attention towards spiritual living. The ripple of water underneath is simply to suggest that first step of detachment on the upward path towards moksha.