Today was the opening of the "Paintings for Happiness and World-Harmony" exhibition by Sri Chinmoy at Agung Rai Museam of Art (ARMA). This exhibition, now on tour, was inaugurated at United Nations Headquarters in New York in March 2018 in celebration of the International Day of Happiness, which is observed on 20 March each year as a UN initiative inspired by the King of Bhutan. The mixed media exhibit, including a number of large canvas repros of Sri Chinmoy's paintings inscribed with titles, also features drawings on happiness in audio-visual format, contributed by children around the world as part of the "Kids to Kids" humanitarian programme.
Agung Rai, founder of ARMA, and Ms. Ranjana Ghose, Director of the Jharna-Kala Art Foundation and President of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, were on hand for the opening of the gallery.
We were also very honored to have Professor Wayan Dibia (right), former Director of the Indonesian Institute of Art, to officially open the exhibition.
A beautiful flower mandala to welcome us.
ARMA is home to a Sri Chinmoy statue where it is beautifully situated amongst the exquisite grounds of the museum.
Many of those in attendance placed sacred offerings at the foot of the statue.
Ranjana Ghose mentioned "The intent of the exhibit is to call attention to the importance of the quality of happiness as a very cherished and valuable part of our lives here on Earth." She also added "Happiness is a very beneficial quality for one's personal development and through the use of art one can hopefully increase one's focus on this beneficial quality."
Salil Wilson, Executive Director of the Peace Run, shared some of Sri Chinmoy's reflections on Bali.
Sri Chinmoy commented, "Of all the places I have visited in the last 15 or 16 years, Bali is undoubtedly the best. It has everything: sincerity, simplicity, purity, humility and peace. Is there any divine quality missing here?
Even outwardly it is so beautiful. You can see how beautiful the little cottages and villages are. They have such simplicity!
Bali has maintained most of its pristine purity. You don’t even have to meditate here; nature will meditate on your behalf. Early in the morning if you walk around the villages, their divine qualities will enter into you and you will become a different person. Here in Bali, nature herself will accelerate your inner progress!
This place is Heaven on earth. In terms of consciousness, Bali is by far the best — both inwardly and outwardly. In many aspects it is even better than India. I am an Indian, but sincerity has to speak!"
ARMA does a lot to perpetuate Balinese culture and we were treated to a delightful performance of traditional dance.
We were then blessed to have them hold the torch.
