Luisa Blumenthal

Ocean of Life Luisa Blumenthal

Ocean of Life, Bahr al Hayat

The Yogi's quest for Divine proximity through asana aims to imitate natural 'postures' observed in all living things. Unity being the primary goal, yoga its vehicle; the acts of physical postures, reflection and contemplative meditation bring awareness to the breath and a longing for one's origin. The concept of inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajeoon (indeed we belong to our Lord and to Him is our return) emphasizes the idea of 'die before you die'. Facilitating the desired spiritual states of Fana and Baqa (annihilation and subsistence), yoga is a potential medium of experiencing nirvanic states. A student of spirituality perceives yoga as a form of praiseworthy worship where mantra or dhikr may accompany the asana in order to achieve the desired effect. This publication, Bahr al Hayat, serves as a meditative visual guide put together by two interdisciplinary artists, Luisa and Alicia. The very notion of unveiling secrets being forbidden on the Path, the two effortlessly infuse a sense of telling and non telling in this publication.