In the aesthetics, in the philosophy of the classical arts of India, we do aim to entertain, but we also aim to go beyond that.
The purpose is to create a metaphysical understanding in the audience, and also within ourselves.
So when we talk about love, truth, and beauty, we are not speaking of mundane, self-centred love. We are not speaking of saccharine beauty. And truth, when we speak of it, means real truth.
These are not just words in the texts. These are realities that we are blessed to have the opportunity to embody in our own lives.
So instead of our lives being focused only on the mercantile, on business, or on worldly concerns, we are also thinking about these metaphysical realities. And through the arts, we have the opportunity to develop the consciousness to express them, and to bring them alive in our own lives.
That means actually living with integrity. It means actually being honest. It means valuing everyone for who they are, uniquely.
It also means going beyond the mundane jealousies, the greed, the dishonesty, and all the kleśas that make it impossible for us to become the spiritually wise selves that we wish to be.
And perhaps, that we must become, if we are not to return in another life in a miserable condition.
So what we learn through our arts is that we must try to be well-wishers to all. We must mentor where our guidance is requested. We must offer the gift of sublime, metaphysical truth and beauty to others, both through our art and through all our actions.
Through how we treat others. Through how we treat ourselves. As much as we can.
That, to me, is the beauty of our focus through the arts. It gives us more than the opportunity for creativity. It gives us the opportunity to be focused on things of great value.
