States of Change:
Om Mani #4 (cobalt blue)

© 1999
BASID #068

Beth Ames Swartz
States of Change:
Om Mani #4 (cobalt blue)
acrylic, gold leaf and mixed media on shaped canvas
36" x 48" (1.22m x 0.91m)
1999

A literal English translation of OM MANI PADME HUM would be, “OM, jewel-in-the-lotus, HUM”; in other words, two words/syllables (“OM” and “HUM”) enclosed by so-called “seed-syllables” that mean “jewel-in-the-lotus.” The intended meaning equates the Buddhist concept of a “jewel” as an enlightened mind that flowers from the “lotus” of human consciousness. The visual image intended suggests a comparative metaphor between the lotus flower and the human mind since both are born in the mud of the world but may grow into something of undefiled beauty that blossom above the world.

An important, but more complex, interpretation of the Sanskrit sequence of syllable sounds requires appreciation that these specific sounds play a role in meditation practices when they are repeated as a mantra, i.e., as a hymn or text chanted or intoned as an incantation or prayer. Repeating the OM MANI mantra helps the reciter arrive at a goal of completeness, of perfection. One may achieve this perfection by following the path of the so-called “indestructible” vehicle (often translated into English as the “diamond” vehicle or diamond sütra) that teaches true reality consists of a perfect, spotless emptiness uncontaminated by all appearances that arise out of it. This clear, perfect, indestructible, diamond-like emptiness is not different from all things, from all phenomena; rather, the emptiness and the phenomena are one. For Buddhists following this path, no duality exists. All is one.

I visualize the OM MANI mantra in the background of certain paintings somewhat hidden by the glittering gold far more noticeably bewitching the viewer's eye. I suggest each of us has the power to recognize all is one if only we do not allow ourselves to become distracted by the seductive power of illusionary promises. We need to see beyond the gold into the depths of the diamond reality. We may appreciate the message of the OM MANI mantra expresses compassion for the sake of all sentient beings