Studies in Indian Art c7.s3.12

c7.s3.12

Indian art theory does not belittle the visual symbolism of art. It links it in the first instance to the verbal symbolism which is scripture. The two are co-related and essential to each other. But ultimately both have to yield place to that which transcends all symbolism, which is an ideal *tathā* or Suchness. The verbal symbolism plays an important part in Indian aesthetic tradition. The scripture is the Veda, the source of all *nāma-rūpa*, viz., the visual symbolism of art. The Veda is absolutely essential for art comprehension. It explains that which is known intuitively (*manasā niśchita*), or what has been visualised (*taddhyātam*). The *rishis* saw with an eye which is gifted with the ‘seeing of ideas’ (*mantra-draṣṭāraḥ*). It is an ever-happening process. Any one who creates a thought-form (*mānasa sṛiṣṭi*) is a *rishi* to the extent of that intellectual operation. Having produced in the mind, the artist proceeds to the production of the concrete or visual symbolism as the various forms of art.