The Impermanence of Being

This artwork serves as a vivid interpretation of Shantideva's contemplation of impermanence from "The Way of the Bodhisattva." It portrays the vastness of the cosmos through a giant, contemplative face blending into the spirals of the universe, signifying the 'wanton Lord of Death' who is indifferent to our state of being. The stars scattered across the dark space symbolize the fleeting nature of life, shimmering momentarily before fading into the void. In the foreground, a lone figure stands by the shore of a psychedelically colored sea, gazing towards a distant horizon where the water meets the sky, reflecting upon the inevitable end that comes for all - friend, foe, and self. The contrasting warm and cool colors represent life's dualities and the interplay of events that lead to countless wrongs provoked by lack of understanding. Around the figure, the intricate patterns and flowing landscapes hint at the complex tapestry of life's interconnections. Everything in this scene is transient: the luminous planets will vanish, the cosmic currents will dissipate, and the mountains will erode, just as all beings will cease to be. It's a powerful visual reminder of the transient nature of existence, the cessation of all things, and the profound truth that in the end, we are all united in our common destiny.