Difference: Identity (Bheda: Abheda)
The painting Difference: Identity, represents the fifth axiom of non-absolutism. At first glance, you see a yellow circle and a blue diamond-shaped Sri-Vatsa, distinct and separate in their vibrant hues. However, if you look closely, you will notice these colours merging, into green. The ‘bheda’ slowly transforming into ‘abheda’
The heart of the painting features an eight-petaled flower, representing the eight kinds of karmas that create the illusion of difference in our world. Four ‘harming’ or ghati karmas are painted in red, while the four ‘non-harming’ or aghati karmas are in white. Even the Swastika is rendered in three colours of the Indian National flag, subtly suggesting that unity in diversity is the only way to maintain the integrity of the country. It reminds us that just as the sun’s glory is reflected by the moon to dispel darkness, opposites are often just different sides of the same light.
As you look at the merging colours, pause and reflect on a relationship in your life where you see only ‘difference.’ This painting invites you to look past the yellow and the blue to find the ‘green’—the common ground where your identities actually meet.