Shadow of Inner Light by The XIIth Kuanding Tai Situpa

Tai Situpa was formally recognized and enthroned at the age of 18 months by the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, as the twelfth in line of the successive incarnations of the Tai Situpas that span over 600 years and whose history is integral to the religious and scholastic development in Eastern Tibet.

But at the age of 54, Pema Donyo Nyinje is presenting for the first time in India a solo exhibition of more than 40 of his paintings in acrylic on canvas, watercolours and red pearl ink on silk, archaic paper and rice paper, works in mixed media including gold, leaves, petals, stems, seeds of lotus and lotus central.

Titled “Shadow of Inner Light”, the show has been put by Kumar Gallery at 22, Western Avenue, Sainik Farms. The XIIth Kuanding Tai Situpa is a renowned Buddhist teacher and scholar, a poet, calligrapher, artist and has authored several books on Buddhism and exhibited his arts and paintings in several countries.

Born to the ‘Liu’ family in Dherge, Eastern Tibet, Pema Donyo Nyinje was formally recognized and enthroned at the age of 18 months.

According to the tradition, the Tai Situpa is an emanation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the next Buddha, and of Guru Padmasambhava, and has incarnated as numerous Mahasiddhas of Indian and Tibetan origin who have appeared since the time of the historical Buddha.

Tai Situpa as a kid, painted on the floor with charcoal. However, he broke the norm of being a recluse and approached a gallery in Italy 15 years ago to exhibit his work. His union with the official world of art has continued since then. Shadow of Inner Light is Tai’s first-ever show in India.

Says the artist: “I need to feel nice about my paintings, otherwise it holds no value. I feel no hesitation to destroy a painting and start afresh till I am totally satisfied with it. Through my work, I try to share my own inner experience for others. I am sure that it will not only remove all confusion but also give focus in life.”

Says Sunit Kumar Jain, director, Kumar Gallery: “Tai’s paintings will take you back to a time where artists were reclusive creatures, cut off from all worldly trappings and oblivious of any profit-making practices. We wouldn’t have got this rare opportunity to see his work if it wasn’t for his disciples.”

For the XIIth Tai Situpa, wisdom is conveyed not only through Dharma teachings but also through the visual-medium and, therefore, he chooses to paint and enlighten all.

Through his paintings, he breaks the shackles of religion and culture and gives a universal appeal to humanity and integrity. In fact, the Tai Situpa shares his own insight for the betterment of humankind through his serene and spiritual work.

His art works are the result of a deep meditation which holds unlimited qualities and potential. Every individual can relate to his canvases which reflect harmony. With text inscriptions in the Tibetan language on his canvas, paintings like Nine Level Dharma Pagoda, Root of All Goodness and Antidote of All Faults, Dancing Light, Knot of Harmony, One Tiger with Two Birds and Life is Part of Nature are few such examples which have become a source of inspiration for many.

The serene portrayal of natural entities like the sun and the moon in their myriad shades, pristine Himalayan landscapes, majestic pagodas and the tranquil flora and fauna all depict a deep sense of humanism and spirituality with which the artist coveys a message of harmony and brotherhood.

- The Tribune