Permanence: Impermanence (Nitya: Anitya)
Permanence: Impermanence visualizes the world (loka) as a great stage where all living beings are actors dancing to the rhythms of time and karma. The shape of the painting resembles the loka-purusa—a human figure standing with hands on the waist and legs stretched. At the ‘head,’ an orange circle contains the symbol ‘Aum’ with five flames for the senses and a red half-moon for the mind. The Sri-vatsa symbol has been painted in three colours–orange for good actions, dull red for bad actions, and bluish white for self-control.
The painting maps the entire universe: yellow and white portion with the Swastik is for Heaven (devasthana), the middle area with planetary movements is where humans and animals live, the dark shades of blue and black for the seven levels of Hell. While the Loka itself is permanent because it has no beginning or end, everything within it is in constant motion—living beings moving through cycles of birth and death. It suggests that a thing is not just permanent or just changing, but holds both qualities simultaneously.
As you look at the vast ‘stage’ of this universe, reflect on your own role in this act. While your ‘character’ and ‘costumes’ change, the ‘actor’ within is permanent, and ever-present.