Art Inspirations | lViolet Lee

Illuminate

TRAVERSE INTO THE UNKNOWN

WINNER OF IKEBANA GALLERY 2023 GOLD AWARD

Anger transformed into compassion, melancholy into creativity… These emotions are just the two sides of the same coin, which one would you choose to experience? Yes, we have a choice. Go deep into the unknown - the being we have never got in touch with, the all-encompassing vastness, the immeasurable bliss, the touch of God's grace. Blessings!

GONE GONE GONE BEYOND

Gate Gate Pāragate Pārasamgate Bodhi Svāhā --- Heart Sutra
Year 2024 is a significant year. The year marks the beginning of the 9th Cycle of the Chinese Macro Astrology. A 20 years cycle beginning Feb 4, 2024, Spring Commences 立春. The 9th cycle is under the influence of i-Ching Hexagram 30 – Li Gua 離卦 , which is associated with the element of fire .

Fire can be very destructive. War, wild fire, volcanic eruption, solar flares, massive explosion … are all associated with fire. Destruction can be sudden, quick and devastating. On the other hand, fire is associated with light, heat and transformation. Light dispels darkness, allowing us to see in the dark. Manjushri, the bodhisattva symbolizing the embodiment of wisdom, is often portrayed holding a fiery sword that can cut the root of ignorance with its luminous rays. Fire is also associated with heat, giving warmth in the coldest day, allowing people to survive through toughest winter storms. Back to the stone age, the ignition of fire has made cooking possible. Transforming raw ingredients into delicious food. It sparked the rapid development of communities and culture, hence, spurred the development of records and education. The ignition of a small bonfire has ignited the whole civilization of mankind. The element of Fire can bring far-reaching influence beyond one’s lifetime.

Although the Chinese Macro Astrology suggests that the 9th cycle is a period of turmoil, war, sudden and rapid changes, the nineth cycle also gives us the great opportunity to ignite our wisdom, our inner light, protecting us from being consumed by the chaos in the illusory 3D world. It is a period when we can rapidly shift to the next level. i-Ching Hexagram 30 – Li Gua 離卦 symbol has solid (yang) lines on top and bottom, broken line (yin) in the middle, leaving an empty space in the middle. It has the appearance of a net, reminding us the matrix of the illusory world - things seem so solid yet empty in nature. Are you under the spell of the matrix, or beyond it? You have a choice. Focus on your inner light and let it shine. Allow, your inner fire to ignite your love, your passion for life and let it grow like wildfire. Place your intention correctly as you enter the 9th cycle to ride on its wave. Go, go, go beyond judgment, beyond fear, beyond the mind, beyond extreme, beyond the matrix and let true inner peace pervade through you.

The SAMURAI

The Samurai was an honorable class of warriors in Ancient Japan who wore a special curved blade sword called katana. While they were the warriors who fought for the value of their country, we can choose to be the warriors of our own inner truth. Instead of a katana, we use the sword of wisdom to fight our inner battles, cut the root of ignorance and defend the beauty of who we truly are.

Dot-to-dot

Shakespeare’s famous quote: “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” We face so may choices in our life. One choice leads to another, creating a huge, interlinked network of repercussion we called karma. Some lead us to great success, while others give us deep regrets. When we are stuck in a crossroad, unsure where to go, worrying about what future will take. Give your mind a rest. The answer is already within you. Listen to your inner voice. That is your compass that leads you to your true path. You don’t need to see the whole picture to make a move. Your inner guidance will take you one step at a time, from dot to dot, toward your life purpose. When you look back and connect the dots, the puzzle of life will emerge clearly in front of you. How magical! Trust yourself!

CROSSING PATHS

We are living in the fleeting moments of time, experiencing the results of our past karma. In the span of countless lifetimes, we have made many life choices and crossed paths with many beings. Webbed in this interlinked network of choices and intentions, causes and effects, whom we have met, what we have encountered are not coincidental. Whether they have brought you thrill or disappointments, drama or peace, all that we are experiencing are shaped by of our past and present intentions, and their results. There is a famous Buddhist saying, 「萬般帶不走，唯有業隨身」“When we died, there is nothing we can take but our own karma.” Embedded in this lifetime is the shadow of our past karma. We cannot burnt our karma away. No one can take away our karma because no one can do the lessons that are meant for us to learn. What we can do to shape a better future is start ploughing a peaceful mind field, plant the seeds of virtuous actions and grow them with wisdom and compassion. Start being the good farmer of your future. Notice the virtues and lessons in all you have crossed paths with. Be thankful for their presence. They are best fertilisers for your growing mind field. When you feel stuck, call upon the essence of Iris. It helps you release past wounds and future worries.