This three-day live and online workshop is based on the concept of what Amal Kiran referred to as the “aesthetic approach” to the reading and internalising of Savitri. The workshop would be an attempt to visualise the scenes through our inner eye and ear to express it all through paintings. There will be sharing of some basic concepts such as the five tanmatras and certain concepts from Yoga Sutras before discussing how the poem connects with the precepts of Integral Yoga.
So, the structural Outline of the Spiritual-aesthetic Workshop is as follows:
Day One
Session I: Concepts – 09.30 am -12.30 pm (Refreshments break at 11.00 am)
This exploration will first approach Savitri from its source – the legend in Mahabharata in the Vana Parva or The Book of the Forest. It will then discuss how Sri Aurobindo has given new life to the legend by associating Savitri with Gayatri and what it symbolises for a yogi, in search of the amrita or the divine nectar of moksha or the ultimate transformation. This perception is essential for grasping the spiritual essence as also for understanding some Vedic symbols in the poem. The poem is meant to be read aloud to internalise its aesthetics and to visualise the scenes.
LUNCH- 12.30 pm- 2.00 pm
Session II: Text to Images - 2.00 -5.30pm (with a tea break at 4.00 pm)
The Painting workshop for the day will be on Book One of PART ONE of Savitri.
(2.00pm- 2.30 pm): The participants in the Hall will be split into 5 groups. Each group would work on one of the five Cantos of Book One. Separate groups will be created for the online participants.
So, first there would be an exercise in visualisation and a brief discussion how each group would be working on the sequences, before we start painting at 2.30 pm.
Day Two
Session III: Text to Images continued…
This session will be a continuation of paintings that began the day before, from
9.30- 12.30 pm
An attempt should be made to complete the paintings of the day before.
LUNCH – 12.30 pm-2.00 pm
Session IV: Text to Images - 2.00 -5.30 pm (with a tea break at 4.00 pm)
The Painting workshop on this day, will concentrate on Book Ten of PART THREE of Savitri.
The participants in the Hall will then be split into 4 groups. Separate groups will be created for the online participants. Each group would work on one of the four cantos of Book Ten of PART THREE.
So, first there would be an exercise on visualisation and a brief discussion how each group would be working on the sequences.
Day Three
Session V: Text to Images continued …
This workshop will be a continuation of the paintings began the day before, from
9.30 am-12.30 pm
LUNCH –12.30pm-2.00 pm
Session VI (Final Session):
Attempt should be made to complete the paintings
Images to Music - 2.00 -6.00 pm (with tea break at 4.00 pm)
The paintings would be placed sequentially according to the two Books selected for this workshop accompanied by Sunilda’s music. And the participants will get a chance each to show their own paintings.
To Join
In-person participation: Rs. 5,000 (Including lunch, tea & refreshments).
Online:
If you wish to join this event, please make a contribution to Sarvam Trust USA for the designated amount through the following link:
https://sarvamtrustusa.aurosociety.org/contribution/
After completing the payment, please share a screenshot with us of the transaction for confirmation.
Click here for more details.
Concessions will be considered on a discretionary basis.
Zoom joining details will be circulated in the evening of the 27th December 2026.
Painting materials will only be shared with in-person participants. Acrylic paints only will be distributed by the host. Each participant will have to obtain their own paint if a non-acrylic variety is preferred.
Materials to be provided:
Acrylic brushes and paint
Canvas board
Palette
2B pencil
Eraser
There will be tables for the in-house participants to work on their canvases, If anyone chooses to use an easel, one must bring it along with him or her.
If you intend participating in this course in person, kindly register by 15th December 2026, to avoid disappointment!
Jayita Sengupta is an academic by profession. She loves painting, music and creative activities.
For more information, contact:
E-mail: james@namahjournal.com
Phone: James +91 7094898789, (0413) 2226263