Exhibition of Greco-Buddhist art of Gandharas at Osho Dham

Team L&M

Marking the 90 birth anniversary of Osho, Pandwala Khurd-based Osho Dham has come up with an art exhibition Buddha of Gandhara. The exhibition has a collection of paintings (oil on canvas), on the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandharas made by artist Ma Anubodhi, and are aimed at sending a message of peace and dhamma.

Through her works Anubodhi makes an attempt to remind audiences about the once thriving center of trade along the Silk Road – Gandhara. Resurrecting the essence of Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, her works embrace the very journey of Buddha statues which started from Gandhara itself. Reflection of the local tribes from the area is seen on the diverse renditions of statues of Buddha ranging from Persian, Greek, Indian, Tibetan and Chinese which has been encapsuled by the artist in her paintings.

The teachings of Gautam Buddha, who is synonymous with the concept of calmness and finding inner light, intertwine beautifully with the mottos and principles of the sanyasins of Osho. In a way, Buddha of Gandhara is Anubodhi’s interpretation of one of Osho’s teachings: To be creative is to be in love with life.

For a region with such rich history and bond with culture and art, Gandhara does not receive appreciation from art lovers across the world, it is rather the scapegoat burdened with a smoke of terror. Buddha of Gandhara is a step towards breaking that notion and moving beyond arms and wars, beyond religion, beyond the dividing lines of tribes and beliefs. It is high time the region recognised the seed of unifying wisdom hidden in their own rich history.

“The world has suddenly become a place that evokes fear and terror. With life’s unpredictability and uncertainties already at play, humans can be expected to be a little more humane. I believe art and culture have the power to anchor one to their roots and to their inner self which in turn induces love,” says Anubodhi.

“What happens with life is that you need to keep your passions aside and ponder upon priorities. What is fortunate, is that you are able to keep that spark ignited somewhere inside, waiting to be rewarded once dharma completes full circle,” adds the artist who has been attached to Osho since she was 10.

A graduate in psychology from JNUV, Jodhpur, Anubodhi did advanced courses in fine art from Chitrakala Parishat and Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan after her graduation. Her artworks originate from a very quiet meditative space.

The show is on till December 11 at Osho Dham, 44, Jhatikra Road,
Pandwala Khurd, Near Najafgarh, New Delhi