The Imprisoned Splendor

Truth is within ourselves; it takes no rise
From outward things, whate’re you may believe.
There is an inmost center in us all,
Where truth abides in fullness; and around
Wall upon wall, the gross flesh hems it in.
This perfect clear perception — which is Truth to KNOW
Rather consists in opening out a way
Whence THE IMPRISONED SPLENDOR may escape
Than in effecting entry for a light
Supposed to be without.

– Robert Browning

ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਘਰ ਮਹਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
ਬਾਹਰਿ ਟੋਲੈ ਸੋ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਹੀ ॥

Everything is within the home of the self; there is nothing beyond.
One who searches outside is deluded by doubt.

– Guru Granth Sahib, p. 102

The splendor or Naam lies imprisoned within us. Any effort to find it elsewhere (place, person or condition) is in vain. The three white dots signify the divine attributes of one’s individual god consciousness.

Omnipotence (All powerful), Omnipresence (Always present) and Omniscience (All knowing).

To the degree these are realized, our consciousness (surat) unfolds to reveal the treasure or the splendor within. When one contemplates on these divine attributes and lovingly meditates using a mantra like Waheguru – ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ– pronounced “Wah-hay-guroo”, one begins to experience the inner peace and intuitively discovers the imprisoned splendor.

Wah means Infinite, hay means Thou, and Guru means Higher Self, or the Divine Teacher within each sentient being.

This is the mantra which has been lovingly handwritten minutely in the painting to portray the omnipresent Divine energy.

Limited Edition Signed Print:

Available in size:
22 x 18.5”