Well, technically there are 5, but we’ll talk about that later…

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve posted anything on this blog (busy, busy), but I wanted to write a little bit about the inspiration for this artwork. For the last several years I have been practicing Bhakti yoga. Bhakti is is one of the four main yogic paths to enlightenment. Bhakti means “devotion” or “love” and this path contains various practices to unite the bhakta (Bhakti Yoga practitioner) with the Divine. It is considered the easiest yogic path to master and the most direct method to experience the unity of mind, body and spirit. Bhakti comes from the word “Bhaj” which means ‘to be attached or devoted to’. It is pure unselfish love mixed with reverence.

An integral part of of the practice of Bhakti Yoga is mantra meditation, or chanting.There are 2 types of chanting; Japa, which is private prayer and mantra repetition, and Kirtan, which is the singing of mantras with others. Both are meant to focus the mind on the repetition of the mantras as well as the divine sound vibration created. Practicing Bhakti has radically changed my life in a very positive way. You’ll find additional info below…

Sources and more information:
http://sivanandaonline.org, http://www.yogabasics.com,
http://atmabhaktiyoga.com, krishnadas.com

On to the designs. Each one of these is available on Fine Art America and RedBubble, and are printed on everything from canvas prints, to tote bags and shower curtains. Links are below each section. The Blue Lotus also has an additional design with the word “CHANT” in the middle of the mandala. I hope you enjoy them!

 Find this design at these links on FineArtAmerica and RedBubble

 Find this design at these links on FineArtAmerica and RedBubble

Find this design at these links on FineArtAmerica and RedBubble

Find the Blue Lotus design at these links on FineArtAmerica and RedBubble
Find the Blue Lotus/Chant design at these links on FineArtAmerica and RedBubble