THE TRiMURTi
(BRAHMA, SHIVA, VISHNU)
10TH CENTURY
KOH KER STYLE
First, notice the center, that very middle point. Observe Brahma’s grace in demanding direct attention to his hands, despite the distraction of other two heads. In absolute stillness, he holds the Anjali mudra. This common hand gesture held in the attitude of prayer promotes respect for oneself and others.
The mudra connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain while also connecting the practitioner with spirituality. Instead of pressing the hands together completely, the fingers need to form a bud-like shape, leaving this small space is a symbol of opening the heart up to greater understanding. It creates a focal point for peace.
The entire universe, along with the dynamic processes underlying it, is said to stem from Ishvara. (a transformed entity) For example, when Ishvara created the universe, he is called Brahma. When he protects, he becomes Vishnu. Finally, when he destroys, he is Shiva. Combined, they form a trinity controlling the universe and all its functions including earth, water, and fire. The trimurti collapses the three gods into a single form with three faces; each god is in charge of one aspect of creation.
1) Brahma – the creator (in charge of raja-guna – the quality of passion).
– The earth is seen as the originator of all life, regarded as Brahma.
2) Vishnu – the maintainer (in charge of sattva-guna – the quality of goodness).
– Water is seen as the sustainer of life, represented as Vishnu.
3) Shiva – the destroyer (in charge of tama-guna – the quality of ignorance).
– Fire consumes or transforms life thus considered to be Shiva.
Alternatively, the trio are conceived to be analogous with the three planes of consciousness:
On the spiritual plane:
1. spiritual element is represented by Brahma
2. psychic element by Vishnu
3. physical element by Shiva.
On the psychic plane:
1. Brahma epitomizes intuitive & creative thought
2. Vishnu is intelligence
3. Shiva represents emotion
On the physical plane:
1. Sky is Brahma
2. Sun is Vishnu
3. Moon is Shiva
The various phases of an individual’s life are said to be represented by the Trimurti which also inspired the work of Khmer artists.
Or - Contact Us Directly: 823.456.7890
Perpetuating stillness within the chaos, Buddha sanctifies the true essence of meditation. At the very root of humanity’s evolving existence
Ganesh (also spelled Ganesa or Ganesha) is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity, fortune and success. He is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles
First, notice the center, that very middle point. Observe Brahma’s grace in demanding direct attention to his hands, despite the distraction of other two heads.
Known for their richness, this Khmer sculpture effortlessly portrays Vishnu with ease and contentment.
THE TRiMURTi
First, notice the center, that very middle point. Observe Brahma’s grace in demanding direct attention to his hands, despite the distraction of other two heads. In absolute stillness, he holds the Anjali mudra. This common hand gesture held in the attitude of prayer promotes respect for oneself and others.
FOUR-ARMED MEDiTATiNG ViSHNU.
Known for their richness, this Khmer sculpture effortlessly portrays Vishnu with ease and contentment. His energy is held with confidence inside this abundantly porous sandstone. There is a beautiful array of symbolism here, all delicately placed.
FOUR-ARMED STANDING VISHNU
Vishnu is the Protector. He was alone in the beginning. From his navel grew a lotus, which brought forth Brahma, the Creator. Vishnu is part of the Trimurti, the Divine Trinity. Maintaining the cosmic order of the universe, (or dharma), Vishnu is characteristically portrayed standing upright and balanced.
MEDiTATiNG NAGA BUDDHA.
Perpetuating stillness within the chaos, Buddha sanctifies the true essence of meditation. At the very root of humanity’s evolving existence there’s been a solid addictive quality wired within each of us, the addiction to distraction. Deeper still, this dominating distraction is a self-sabotaging depletion.
MEDiTATiNG ViSHNU
Previously mentioned, Vishnu is part of the Trimurti, the Divine Trinity. Vishnu’s posture offers a pristine adeptness, this art piece provides us with an opportunity to trust and discover TRUTH. Here the Khmer artist demonstrates the Bhumisparsha mudra with focused attention on Vishnu's intention to attain enlightenment.
GANESHA
Ganesh (also spelled Ganesa or Ganesha) is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity, fortune and success. He is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles, both physically and spiritually. Ganesha embodies spiritual symbolism with such gorgeous intricacy.
4-HEADED STANDiNG BRAHMA
God of Creation, four-headed Brahma stands resolute and firm. His four heads represent the four Vedas, the most ancient religious text carried in the Khmer culture. His multiple faces point in four directions: North, South, East and West. He also has four hands which symbolize human nature/personality: mind(back right), intellect (back left), ego (front right), and self-confidence (front left).
APSARA BAS-RELiEF
Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. These ethereal beings have been immortalized in stone, breathing life force through India and throughout areas of South and Southeast Asia.
