Title: ZEN
Artist: Vartan (JITENDRA GOSAI)
Year: 2007
Artwork size: 42 x 42 in MIXED MEDIA ON CANVAS
Image file: VAR001

Zen is a meditative practice, which is designed to increase self-awareness and compassion. It is not a religion as such, with a set of beliefs and dogmas to be accepted, but rather a way of approaching life and a way of experiencing life, together with a set of practices to help the individual achieve an enlightened (nirvana) state. A Zen meditation is a mind-body encounter, in the sense that there is an emphasis on ritual physical movements (bowing, chanting, sitting, walking, etc.), but the primary purpose of such activities is the questioning effect they have on the mind.