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Chapter 5
Perceptual Enumeration of Reality in a Jain Bronze of 12th-13th Century A.D.
Om D. UPADHYAY
The theme of this paper is to explain the power of visual thinking in perceptually presenting Jain concept of Reality as propounded in Tattvarthadhigama Sutra. To this end a masterpiece of Jain sculpture in bronze is chosen. It is a 12th-13th Cent. Western Chalukya bronze from Nellikara district in south Kanara, popularly called as 'The Seated Tirthankara’IA This Jain bronze amply exemplifies, through its structure--sansthana', a mature and subtle understanding of this concept of Reality by the sculptor.
I should like to explain my point of view in two parts. The first part attempts to inculcate a Samyak Darshana right inclination—in the viewers by giving an account of the creative achievements of the sculptor. In the second part perceptual enumeration through the dynamism and expression of directed tensions without locomotionPudgala-inherent in the visual shapes--Ajiva, is given, thereby, the retinal presence of the sculpture becomes a living experience of the concept of Reality.
Creative Achievements of the Sculptor
The prismoidal interpretation of the bronze ·body vivifies the concept of Taijas Sharira—Luminous Body.
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