True Art Takes Us Beyond Medium
Shastras mention 64 art forms, including dance, music, painting, sculpture, and others. But what is the deeper purpose behind these diverse expressions? The Sanskrit word for art is kala, which means ‘that which brings out or manifests joy.’ Thus, the purpose of art is to evoke joy and uplift the heart. However, every art needs a locus – the artist. Without an artist, art cannot manifest. So, the two main aspects are: art and the artist.Once, a deeply moved listener asked a performing artist, “Your music touches our hearts – but what touches yours?” The artist replied, “Money.” If the heart is driven only by wealth or applause, the artist can neither soar high nor journey far. What truly matters is the intent behind the art. No matter how gifted an individual may be, their greatness is ultimately measured by the height of their altar of devotion and dedication. Attitude determines altitude. If the driving force is limited to wealth or recognition, true greatness remains out of reach. There is a well-known story about the legendary musician Tansen. He once told Emperor Akbar, “My Guru, Swami Haridas, is far greater than i am.” Curious, Akbar visited the saint, for Swami Haridas would not enter the royal court. After listening to his music, Akbar admitted, “Your guru is indeed greater. But why?” Tansen replied, “Because he sings for God, while I sing for you!”Greatness lies in what resides in the heart – nothing can be greater than God. Why should our dedication be to Him? Because He is the very source of all creation, and creation cannot exist without knowledge. When our devotion is offered at this supreme altar, the art is transformed. An altar in life, alters life. The Valmiki Ramayan and Tulsi Ramayan are timeless masterpieces; composed and sung by great saints whose legacy continues to inspire generations. When graced by divinity, an art form transcends time and becomes immortal. Without this divine touch, all else is fleeting – here today, gone tomorrow.So, what truly lies in the heart of an artist? The answer is hidden in the very spelling of the word ‘heart’. If ‘He’ is in the ‘art,’ then everything is present. He – Paramatma – is the heart of all arts. When we admire a beautiful painting and merely note the clever blending of colours, joy remains on the surface. Similarly, when we focus only on notes, beats, or rhythm in music, pleasure stays at the sensory level. But the highest joy arises when the artist dissolves into the very source from which all creation flows. The truest art, the most elevated artist, and refined medium help transcend the form. As Swami Chinmayananda said, “Music is the ornamentation of silence – where words take us beyond sound.”True art takes us beyond the medium, words, and mind itself. It all comes down to who resides in the heart of the artist. Who shines through – the ego of the artist, or the presence of the Divine? A person reaches perfection – realisation – by worshipping the Lord through their art. The essence of devotional music lies in its ability to connect us to the one unchanging Reality. The focus must be on Divine consciousness from which all sound, rhythm, and artistic expression emerge, not merely on the techniques of raag and taal. Ultimately, the one who leads us beyond the medium, music, and mind is the guru.Authored by: Swami TejomayanandaSwamiji is from Chinmaya Mission
