#SpiritualityAndArt

[zenithofart]

Making of Diyas for Diwali and Its Significant

The festival of lights Diwali is a celebration that holds great cultural and spiritual significance in many parts of India and across the world. The main thing about this festival is the diyas generally known as small oil lamps made of clay which play a symbolic role in the festivities. Learn to make diyas by hand before Diwali at Zenith of Art Classes so that during Diwali you will follow a cherished tradition that brings people closer to the essence of the festival, fostering creativity, patience and a deep connection to heritage. The process of making diyas is simple yet meaningful and at Zenith of Art Learn how traditionally they are made from natural clay. This simplicity has an inherent beauty as it reflects the humble origins of the festival and the deep-rooted values of humility and devotion. By crafting diyas by hand one engages in an act that is both meditative and artistic. It invites people to slow down in an often busy season and connect with the cultural and spiritual aspects of Diwali. The light of the diya is not just a piece of decoration but it is also the symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. In ancient texts and mythologies, it is symbolized particularly in the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. A story that resonates with many Diwali celebrations. The glittery light of diyas represents the welcoming of divine light into our lives and homes.

In modern times while mass-produced electric lamps and candles are readily available the practice of making and lighting diyas remains important for those who seek to preserve the spiritual depth of the festival. Crafting diyas by hand can be a communal activity, bringing families and communities together. Zenith of Art in Jaipur, Many workshops and educational sessions are held especially for children to teach the traditional art of diya making. These sessions not only promote creativity but also impart a sense of pride in cultural heritage. Materials used in diyas making have also evolved with time. While clay is the traditional choice which is eco-friendly and a sustainable alternatives such as diyas made from recycled paper, flour or cow dung have gained popularity in recent years. These eco-friendly diyas not only reduce environmental impact but also align with the growing consciousness around sustainability making the practice more relevant to today's environmental concerns. The significance of diyas during Diwali goes beyond their physical presence. They serve as a reminder of the festival's underlying message which is hope, renewal and the triumph of good intentions. Each diya that is lit during Diwali represents a prayer for peace and prosperity for oneself and for the society at large. The small flames, when multiplied across homes and cities create a warm and inviting atmosphere that unites communities in celebration. Conclusion At Zenith of Art Making diyas for Diwali is not just about crafting a physical object it is about preserving a tradition that represent the essence of the festival. Through the simple act of shaping clay and lighting a wick, one connects with deeper values of spirituality, community and sustainability. In a world that is increasingly fast-paced and disconnected, the diya remains a powerful symbol of light, warmth and hope reminding us all to cherish the brighter things in life.

[mountainmaven]

Another lamp from @spiritualityandart ktzangpostudios. So pretty!!

[wilwheaton]

I saw the netflix show on Robert Johnson that you posted about. It was fascinating. One thing that bothered me though was that one account has him returning after the year away with an extra string on his guitar but the show didn't really explore that. I thought it was odd that it was included at all. I'm curious to hear what your favorite take away was.

I thought the EXACT same thing! I have no answers, only more questions.

[meetingheathcliff]

"What is my chapel? Then I thought: It's only a flower. It's a only a flower. But it's a flower" Henri Matisse could not have described his wonderful chapel in e more adequate way. This unique spiritual place in Vence, southern France, has been entirely designed by the artist after had first discovered the the Chapel and the Dominican sisters in 1943. What a wonderful discovery while filming a piece about a completely different topic: the infestation by a special but who kills the palm trees of the French Riviera... #henrimatisse #matisse #chapellematisse #vence #art #spiritualityandart #frenchrivieira #cotedazur #nice #cannes #sttropez #palmtrees #serendipity https://www.instagram.com/p/B1t3kMYIdPG/?igshid=1h7osepsg0dv7

[garbergeektography]

Still basking in the creativity of our students at @mcafeeschooloftheology. They brainstormed a modern day speech from the perspective of one of Job’s friends and an alternate ending to the book of Job in a simulated “writers’ room” in my morning class. Then, in my afternoon class, I witnessed biblical interpretation through throwing paint, photo essays, and poetry. #creationspiritmcafee #creationtheology #mcafeeschooloftheology #spiritualityandart (at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University)

[mountainmaven]

I was tagged by the lovely @littlefeatherr - thank you!

1. Are you named after anyone? No.

2. When was the last time you cried? This afternoon watching a video.

3. Do you use sarcasm? Not usually. If I do it's with people I trust and who know me extremely well (like my family) and they KNOW I'm being sarcastic. Otherwise I'm very straight forward, if I say anything at all. Most times I just observe and don't contribute much to conversations etc. unless it's a smaller group or one-on-one.

4. What's the first thing you notice about people? Behaviors, mannerisms, posture, vibe, eye contact or not.

5. What's your eye color? Golden brown.

6. Scary movie or happy ending? Happy ending. I can watch some scary movies but it really depends. But I am all about the happy ending.

7. Any special talents? I have a good ear for voices, I can identify a person pretty quickly by their voice. I also have really good balance but I'm not sure that's a special talent lol.

8. Where were you born? Queens, NY.

9. What are your hobbies? Reading, painting, collage art, houseplants, listening to music, watching movies/shows, board games, and I'm currently relearning how to crochet.

10. Do you have any pets? No. I do have 3 grandpets though. Oldest has a dog, Mr Kaplan; she's a pit bull rottweiler mix, who turned 4 this month, and Blue (aka Blucifer) who is a Russian Blue cat and so regal it's sickening LOL. He's very old - I think around 11 if I remember correctly. Youngest has Alice, a Siberian Forest cat who turned 4 years old today.

11. What sports do you play/have played? Tennis, roller derby, body building (is that a sport? probably not but eh whatever, it was a huge part of my life for a couple of years).

12. How tall are you? 5'4".

13. What was your favorite subject in school? Art, biology, English

14. Dream job? I'm not sure anymore. It used to be several things: radio DJ, wedding gown model, travel agent, race car driver lol.

I tag: @spiritualityandart @the-forest-library @agardenandlibrary @highwaydiamonds @aliteraryprincess @bibliophilecats and of course anyone else who would like to do this.

[mountainmaven]

@spiritualityandart I love my new lamp!! Thank you for your craftsmanship!!

[mountainmaven]

I was tagged by the lovely @littlefeatherr - thank you!

love at first sight or slowly growing fond of someone | love letters or mixtapes | hand kisses or kisses on the cheeks | understanding each other without words or finishing each other’s sentences | gazing into each other’s eyes or looking away blushing | longing to be with someone again or spending every second together | laughing together or crying together | someone running their fingers through your hair or gently playing with your hand | surprise kisses or long tight hugs

I tag with no pressure: @agardenandlibrary @the-forest-library @honey-in-the-shade @highwaydiamonds @a-doll-like-you @abbeyx @spiritualityandart and anyone else who would like to do this.

[mountainmaven]

thank you @abbeyx for tagging me

You can usually tell a lot about a person by the type of music they listen to. Put your favorite playlist on shuffle and list the first ten songs then tag ten people. No skipping! 😊

Guilty by Paloma Faith

Just be by Paloma Faith (sometimes the shuffle feature sucks lol)

Escape by Kongos

Fever by Michael Buble

I Choose You by Sarah Bareilles

Requiem For a Tower by Escala

Ophelia by The Lumineers

Funnel of Love by Cyndi Lauper

Lullabye (Goodnight my Angel) by Billy Joel

Listen to the Man by George Ezra

I tag @honey-in-the-shade @littlefeatherr @spiritualityandart and anyone else who wants to do this (no pressure!)

[mountainmaven]

9 People I Want to Know Better

I was tagged by the lovely @agardenandlibrary thank you!

Last song: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" (cover by someone in a blind audition on The Voice)

Last show: Stranger Things Season 4.

Currently watching: Big Bang Theory, Star Trek OS, and various movies we have on DVD (since daughter is home from University we're watching a bunch of stuff she hasn't seen yet)

Currently reading The Hacienda by Isabel Canas. I tried Middle Game by Seanan McGuire for library book club later this month but I didn't like it. Apparently she's an author that I like her writing but not her stories or characters. I didn't like her Rosemary and Rue either (I only tried the first book, but there wasn't one likable character for me and I need at least one). With Middle Game not only did I not like the initial main character (villain? I still don't even really know), but I didn't like how the story was unfolding and I certainly didn't like what was happening in the very beginning - it all was just too far for me, and not okay. And then I read that she writes darker novels under a different name and I was like... I'm sorry... DARKER?? Don't get me wrong I like some dark stuff - but I do have limits.

I tag: birthday girl @honey-in-the-shade @spiritualityandart @abbeyx and @honeyand-themoon and anyone else who would like to do this (no pressure of course).