Theory of knowledge students discuss why we seek knowledge
The Academy’s Senior School art teacher Mr Visweswara Brahmanapalli gave a talk on ‘Why do we seek knowledge?’ on 15 September 2022 to DP1 Theory of Knowledge students. He spoke about why and how most of his knowledge came from his cultural background through the medium of art. He alluded to the Vedantic aphorism - ‘satyam’ (existence), ‘jnaanam’ (consciousness), ‘anantam’ (infinite), and ‘brahman’ (reality) to define the truth of divine knowledge. He stated that his knowledge came from a plurality of religious and cultural practices he took part in since his childhood. “There is always a source of inspiration to do anything” were the words that resonated with me as he took us through his paintings.
He showed his oil on canvas painting of the 14th Dalai Lama ‘Tenzin Gyatso’ (2016) which symbolises that the ultimate goal of knowledge is inner peace. His paintings have a unique style; the centre of every canvas is the most significant part of his art, invoking the truth of spiritual reality.
The second painting ‘White Lotus’ (2016) symbolises the white lotus blossoming as an awakening achieved through the quest for knowledge. In relation to this, Mr Vishweshwara mentioned the eight stages of liberation and said, “Any education that gives you liberation is the right education”.
In his third painting ‘Sanctum of Soul’ (2021), he referred to aspects of knowledge from Hinduism where it is believed that the centre signifies the goddess. In the fourth painting ‘Saptha Kamala’(2020), there are seven lotuses at the centre - each lotus represents the seven doors to the knowledge of divine blessedness.
‘Mount Kailash’ showed his devotion to Lord Shiva. In this painting, Shiva is portrayed as a formless being. His painting ‘Serpent K’ symbolises serpents and their movement committed to gaining supreme knowledge. The five elements in ‘Green Lotus’, are the concepts of being in ‘Andhanareeswara’ (the half-female Lord) and the purpose of art in ‘Celebration of Life’ unravel the multi-layered truth of aesthetics. The talk ended with ‘Awakening’ embodying the ultimate pathway to religious knowledge.
- Srinithya Pasupuleti, DP1
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