Oneness of the Self and the Other in Visual Arts

Abstract

The concept of the oneness of the self and the other is the complex philosophical thought
of Vedas, Upaniṣads and other oriental mythologies in South Asian regions. Generally,
philosophical thoughts are presented in verbal form along with arguments involving
propositions and inference. Some philosophical statements are the core contents of visual
arts. In some cases, philosophy is clarified through the visual presentation. The statements
that assert the union of Prakriti and Puruṣa, male and female, Shiva and Shakti, Radha and
Krishna, Uma and Maheshar, individual Sadhaka and cosmos, the self and the other, I and
you have been presented in visual arts like sculpture and painting. While providing aesthetic
pleasure, such artworks also imprint the valuable philosophical senses in the mind of the
viewers. They teach moral lessons while providing aesthetic delight. The understanding
and communication are simplified in the visuals. The sculpture of Shivalinga, Nritesvara
paubāhāḥ, mandala, Shree Yantra and picture of Kundalini present the theme of oneness of the
self and the other and union of Prakriti and Puruṣa, in visual form.