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Oil on canvas. 16” x 20” Yoga Sūtra 4.22: The unchanging consciousness becomes aware of intellect when it [the intellect] takes the form [of an object]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ca4bacd3-c5ad-402a-930e-1ead9d474a22/2.Gun%CC%A3as.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within The Nature of the Seen/The Guṇas, 2025, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. These are the elements of material reality: clarity (sattva), activity (rajas) and stability (tamas). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/0c12f6dd-b455-4dc4-90fa-a60519e4c0d3/3.Yoga.Su%CC%84tra.4.18.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Consciousness is Always Aware. 2025. Oil on canvas. 16” x 20”. Yoga Sūtra 4.18: The activities of citta (the mind) are always known, because Consciousness (the lord of the mind, puruṣa ), is unchangeable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/fd369a6b-3d6c-4bc7-89f1-fadbb4b63011/new.cessation.story.of.me.website.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Cessation of the "Story Of Me" 2025, oil on canvas, 21” x 35”. Yoga Sūtra 4.25: Cultivating the story of “me” ceases when there is the full understanding of the distinction between the Self and the mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/7f813253-1f10-4fc7-b81a-11c9b808a3c2/5.YogaSu%CC%84tra.4.26.2025.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Gravitation Toward Kaivalya. 2025, oil on canvas, 21” x 35”. Yoga Sūtra 4.26, Then, the mind inclined toward discriminating wisdom (viveka) gravitates toward non-dependent liberation (kaivalya). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/2f0e6df2-5143-42fa-be6f-50a7250616c1/6.YogaSu%CC%84tra.4.27.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Shadow of Habit. 2025, Oil on canvas, 21” x 35”. Yoga Sūtra 4.27: During the intervals [between discriminating wisdom], thoughts that interrupt meditative absorption arise, due to remains of ingrained habit patterns (saṁskāras). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/9af3c051-ca7b-4245-a295-b88d8d11b236/7.YogaSu%CC%84tra.4.29.Work_MelissaTownsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Dharma-Megha Samādhi. 2025, oil on canvas, 21” x 35”. Yoga Sūtra 4.29: For the one who is disinterested in meditative knowledge, and having a complete vision of discernment, there is dharma-meghaḥ samādhi (highest state of meditative absorption). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/c0269d38-2585-4ba7-9ee4-15fd00e96ef7/8.YogaSu%CC%84tra.4.33.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Perception Of Sequence & Stilling of Time. 2025, oil on canvas, 51” x 64” Yoga Sūtra 4.33: Succession, corresponding to moments, is perceivable at the final cessation of the transformations [of the guṇas]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/cfc161cc-cb07-4f9b-bf15-856a47eb90c8/9.Pratiprasavah%CC%A3.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Kaivalya, 2025, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Yoga Sūtra 4.34: Only-ness [with the Self] (kaivalya) is when material reality is (the guṇas are) devoid of purpose for the Self (puruṣa) and are re-absorbed (return to origin). Or [it is] the establishment of the power of consciousness to its own form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/0bd5f0b7-e0c4-4d4d-88c5-8ced5fa295b5/10.Vyoma%CC%84ti%CC%84tam.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology of the Path Within Vyomātītam, 2025, oil on canvas, 16” x 20.5”. Vyomātītam means “transcending the sky.” https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/exploring-mind-consciousness monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/a5790b53-4017-4115-b10e-d2b22f5cb025/1_P%26CTriangular.Work_Townsend.jpg.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Perception and Consciousness: Triangular, 2025, oil on canvas on wood panel, 21” x 24” Do we ever perceive what is truly there? Or do we perceive what we are conditioned to perceive? Or perhaps we create a perception based on an idealized form of what exists? Whatever is true, perception, the mind, is a gateway to consciousness, as long as we focus on consciousness and not the content of consciousness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/15962f32-f8e7-483e-b18d-3dbbaada98fa/2_P%26CSquare.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Perception and Consciousness: Square, 2025, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. In the midst of whatever is hot, where is the unchanging consciousness? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/497b31b7-1acb-4cdc-b447-08b8daaacde8/3_P%26CHorizon.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Perception and Consciousness: Horizon, 2025, oil on canvas, 25” x 37”. At every liminal moment, there is an entrance possible to awareness of consciousness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/072e417a-905f-4c0b-b3c3-b5bb91b1874f/4_PowersFromOtherMeans.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Powers From Other Means, 2025, oil on canvas on wood panel, 16” x 20”. Yoga Sūtra 4.01: Powers can be from birth, herbs, mantra, disciplines, or samādhi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/de928843-6d56-4e36-81a9-a3491f2a928a/5_JoyOfPerception.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Joy of Perception, 2025, oil on canvas on wood panel, 16” x 20”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/4c0ab5ab-3c48-404c-8e91-aca66f5e0da6/6_Perception.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Perception, 2024, oil on canvas on wood panel, 16” x 20”. Yoga Sūtra 4.22: The unchanging consciousness becomes aware of intellect when it [the intellect] takes the form [of an object]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/cb4041ee-7442-4cb2-ad45-e7a8c8fb252d/7_Celestial.Work_MelissaTownsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Celestial, 2025, oil on canvas on wood panel, 16” x 20”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/e035f736-0f5d-4900-91b4-bfbe0e80657a/8_IntoThePearl.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Into The Pearl, 2025, oil on canvas on wood panel, 16” x 20”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/09723add-d569-4f30-a95f-ec678152e75a/9_ResolvedThroughMeditation.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Resolved Through Meditation, 2025, oil on canvas, 24” x 36”. Yoga Sūtra 4.28: It is said that these [saṁskāras, interruptions] should be eliminated like the afflictions (kleśas) [through meditation]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/2ccd3761-ff33-4730-a92a-bcf662e6f77a/10_TheMindOrganizesManyPart.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness The Mind Organizes Many Parts, 14” x 17,” Oil on Canvas on Wood Panel, 2024. Yoga Sūtra 4.24: Being imprinted with innumerable impressions, the mind is for the purpose of another because it operates with many parts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/18e86a40-773e-4639-8e72-3dbafcc3246a/11_Guru.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness The Guru, Yoga Sūtra 1.37, 2025. Oil on canvas on wood panel. 18” x 21”. Yoga Sūtra 1.37: Or the mind is pacified by attuning to the mind of one who is free from desire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/07e3c473-8e59-4506-a53c-82e286e56e59/12_tend.toward.kaivalya2.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Exploring Mind and Consciousness Toward Kaivalya, Sūtra 4.26, 2025, oil on canvas on wood panel. 21” x 35”. Sūtra 4.26: Then, the mind, inclined toward profound wisdom (viveka), gravites toward non-dependent liberation (kaivalya) https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/book1 monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/f5710aba-9d6e-42e2-afaf-f8f6724bf4b4/1_bk.1_1.02.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.02, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Yoga is restraining the (identification with the) activity of the mind (citta). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/f39c4ec9-92c2-4e4f-9194-9f696d7ab6d7/2_bk.1_1.42.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.02, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. In savitarkā samādhi (samādhi with deliberation), word, form, and abstract understanding are co-mingled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/f0d62d9f-2c10-4627-8aaf-86f0d55f08bb/3_bk.1_1.33.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.33, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. The mind becomes serene by cultivating an attitude of friendliness toward those who are happy, compassion for those who are suffering, delight for those who are good, and neutrality toward those who are not good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/04adf55a-ad56-4155-975b-0430bc595b78/4_bk.1_1.29.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.29, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From that − chanting and meditating upon om − there is realization of the inner Self and the absence of obstacles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/d01c72c4-3ace-4c19-b8d9-bcba40a0deba/5_bk.1_1.32.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.32, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. In order to counteract these obstacles, the practice of a single focus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/70515605-58e5-48a1-a782-dc4c3e19ac09/6_bk.1_1.17.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.17, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Samprajñāta samādhi (samādhi with conscious support) results from mental activity, first on a gross level, then on a subtle, reflective level, followed by a feeling of bliss, and finally a state of pure Being (I-AM-ness). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/56fc0a4b-ff96-4e3c-83e1-b98fa2439981/7_bk.1_1.36.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.36, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Or the mind is calmed by the supreme effulgent light within, beyond all sorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/bd2c315c-2593-40c4-a40e-bcf17340726d/8_bk.1_1.09.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.09, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Imagination, or conceptualization, is thought based on words, without actual substance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/0881175a-81d4-4432-b18e-1e643d1a75cb/9_bk.1_1.40.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.40, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. This mastery extends from the infinitesimal to the infinite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/41bcd363-a470-49a0-beca-44bb024b1c2c/10_bk.1_1.23.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book I Sūtra 1.23, 2015. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Or, samādhi is attained by devotional surrender to a higher power (īśvara/God) . https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/book2 monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/e5c51b94-965c-403c-842b-5812f19999ad/1_bk.2_2.31.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.31, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. When observed universally, not limited by birth, place, time, or circumstance, these (the yamas/restrictions) constitute the Great Vow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/b2ce9e31-58b3-47fe-b7a5-fcf3cd1e4f7e/2_bk.2_2.25.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.25, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From its absence (the absence of ignorance), the conjunction (saṁyoga) disappears. This is the end [of the pain inherent in existence] and the independence of the Seer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/23fe3fcf-0b30-4c3b-8ad4-c8320740b0a4/3_bk.2_2.39.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.08, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. For one established in non-possessiveness/non-grasping (aparigraha) there is knowledge of the “how-and-why” of existence (past lives). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ffc980c8-8db7-4cb7-b076-cd7f110913b7/4_bk.2_2.33.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.33, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. When one is plagued by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite [thoughts]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/045791fc-bf8a-42ba-b421-a171cb1c5759/5_bk.2_2.41.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.41, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. And from purity (śauca) there is purity of sattva (clarity of mind), cheerfulness, one-pointedness, mastery of the senses, and fitness for the vision and realization of the self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/8507e2ad-b011-401b-bc3e-4a0970a4c258/6_bk.2_2.42.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.42, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From contentment (santoṣa) the attainment of unparalleled happiness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/f9b4ada4-110b-456e-9d30-1a9c8a32410e/7_bk.2_2.43.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.43, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From discipline (tapas), the destruction of impurity and perfect mastery of the body and sense organs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/3374fe08-0e37-4509-9f83-fd351c0183d1/8_bk.2_2.44.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.44, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From self-study (svādhyāya), union with one’s chosen deity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/1deda94d-f77a-4a42-b7bc-74650b4476f6/9_bk.2_2.49.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.49, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. That [posture/āsana] being achieved, breath regulation (prāṇāyāma), the interruption of the [normal] flow of inhalation and exhalation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ddf1bae6-a244-4345-8973-9ce700b64171/10_bk.2_2.02.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book II Sūtra 2.02, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. [Active yoga practice (kriyā-yoga)] serves to cultivate samādhi (state of transcendent unity) and to weaken the obstructions (kleśas). https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/book3 monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/abee0e24-fb8f-42e3-bba3-013f0bfdaf75/1_bk.3_3.02_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.02, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Meditation (dhyāna) is the continuity [of attention] there on the focal point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/8b9ce66f-00f9-439a-b68a-7ab56052644a/2_bk.3_3.05.a_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.05.a, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From mastery of this [saṁyama] there is the light of insight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/0feb10e6-008d-4325-9faf-5ed554d72b8d/3_bk.3_3.06_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.06, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Its [saṁyama’s] application is in stages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/206dc5fc-5da1-4f81-bc6a-bf12d7ed0f82/4_bk.3_3.13_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.06, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. By this is explained the transformation of essential nature, characteristics, and state in regard to the elements and sense organs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/209f9c9d-33f6-4f77-b534-765977109d37/5_bk.3_siddhis.composite_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtras 3.16 - 3.46, 2021. Oil on Canvas; and Acrylic. Gouache, and Egg Tempera on Duralar. 144” x 86” (32 paintings @ 16” x 20”). About 2/3 of the sūtras in Book Three are about the siddhis, the seemingly supernatural powers (such as flying or invisibility) that can appear as one advances in the practice of Yoga. In order to emphasize the fact that the siddhis deliver an important message as a group* and are not to be viewed as fragmented, isolated experiences, the sūtras that address them are painted so that together, they create one large, coherent image: of a blue sky (oil on canvas), the view of which is almost completely obscured by a layer of activity – literally another painting that covers it like a film (acrylic and gouache on duralar, an archival, acetate-like film). Each of the component paintings represents an individual sūtra and its siddhi (with appropriate imagery) as well as being part of the whole. *Each of these special powers breaks through our usual experience of reality and opens a window onto a view of the expansive truth that reality is not what we think it is – and that we, too, are not what we think we are. We are pure consciousness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/0346d1e8-6b53-4608-b8e7-94e9712c44bb/6_bk.3_3.26_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.26, 2021. Oil on Canvas; and Acrylic. Gouache, and Egg Tempera on Duralar. 16” x 20”. From saṁyama on the Sun there is knowledge of the worlds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/2e89c306-34ab-42d3-ab77-ddadc070b354/7_bk.3_3.49_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.49, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Only from recognition of the distinction between higher intelligence (sattva) and the Self (puruṣa) is there supremacy over all states and forms of existence (omnipotence) and omniscience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/0fc1173f-f5dc-407e-8e51-9df33953f011/8_bk.3_3.51_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.51, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Upon invitation by those highly placed, there should be avoidance of attachment and pride, due to re-ensnarement in the undesirable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/e454f60a-1901-468e-a7cc-0311c5665173/9_bk.3_3.52_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.52, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From saṁyama on a moment in succession, there is knowledge born of discrimination (viveka). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/a69dbc4e-e0c8-4a4d-93fd-cb80c6186aef/10_bk.3_3.54_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book III Sūtra 3.54, 2021. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Knowledge born of discrimination (viveka) is the deliverer, all-encompassing, timeless, and non-sequential. https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/book4 monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/af36b7f5-2a7c-4242-a082-340bc224949e/1_bk4_4.34_Work_Townsend.jpeg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.34, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. This is the last sūtra of the entire text, and describes the ultimate experience of liberation. Only-ness [with the Self] (kaivalya) is when material reality no longer serves a purpose for the Self [the guṇas are empty of purpose for puruṣa,] and are re-absorbed. Or [it is] the establishment of the power of consciousness to its own form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ea210309-ed87-486b-8b6f-6f2ccccbddae/2_bk.4_4.33_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.33, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. The last step in the process of full awareness of oneself as pure consciousness is a change in the perception and understanding of time. One perceives “sequence,” essentially meaning that time stands still – there is no one linear thing, “time.” Succession, corresponding to moments, is perceivable at the final cessation of the transformations [of material reality/the guṇas]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/efa59101-7357-43d7-a49d-f79b891c5a39/3_bk.4_4.18_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.18, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Do you know what you are thinking and feeling? Yes. As long as you are alive, Consciousness is always aware of whatever it is that it is aware of! The activities of the mind (citta) are always known, because the lord of the mind, Consciousness, (puruṣa) is unchangeable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/d4c4724c-136d-4df5-a47d-943cff65d81a/4_bk.4_4.19_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.19, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. That [mind] is not self-luminous, due to its being an object of perception https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/94d79be4-3447-4f3e-81bd-c24c4b0870d9/5_bk.4_4.20_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.20, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Both [the mind and its object] cannot be perceived at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/4ad79c17-ea67-4dfd-8c3d-e79e3085908c/6_bk.4_4.22_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.20, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. The unchanging consciousness becomes aware of intellect when it [the intellect] takes the form [of an object]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ca2a198f-163a-4144-979e-bf4f9ff7a390/7_bk.4_4.23_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.23, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Colored by both the Seer and the Seen, citta has all purposes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/7ade612a-2a85-4390-b743-920b49778609/8_bk.4_4.02_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.02, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. Transformation from one state to another occurs due to the natural flowing of material reality (prakṛti) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/d27540f6-0afb-4040-9b5d-6f9afbc80a95/9_bk.4_4.11_Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, Book IV Sūtra 4.11, 2022. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20” Since [the vāsanas] are held together by cause, result, seat, and dependency, when these cease, they [the vāsanas] also cease. https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/shiva-sutras monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/b38de99a-b21b-4b54-a1ec-7e44a09eb532/1_S%CC%81ivaSu%CC%84tra1.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Śiva Sūtras Śiva Sūtra 1.1, 2022, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. The Self is Awareness (pure consciousness). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/db5e7ee7-8677-4120-96bc-14a3e69766bd/2_S%CC%81ivaSu%CC%84tra2.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Śiva Sūtras Śiva Sūtra 1.2, 2025, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Knowledge (born of the mind) is bondage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/9ad6970c-b4ab-4d45-a559-6d261df3267e/3_S%CC%81ivaSu%CC%84tra3.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Śiva Sūtras Śiva Sūtra 1.3, 2024, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. There are two other sources of limitation/bondage [māyiya mala, kārma mala]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/d9510e85-8356-48a8-b62e-13ece0c8c5b3/4_S%CC%81ivaSu%CC%84tra4.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Śiva Sūtras Śiva Sūtra 1.4, 2025, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. The mātṛkā (the Mother or power of sound, the alphabet) is the basis of all knowledge (inherent in the three limiting factors). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ecee9ac3-fc23-44c8-9a2e-d538833cbe80/5_S%CC%81ivaSu%CC%84tra5.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Śiva Sūtras Śiva Sūtra 1.5, 2024, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. The sudden, opening flash of transcendent consciousness (freeing one from bondage) is Śiva. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/34ce6d54-1916-4b7d-80bd-3e983d79e104/6_S%CC%81ivaSu%CC%84tra6.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - The Śiva Sūtras Śiva Sūtra 1.3, 2024, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Through intensive and fixed awareness, there is union with the collective whole of the powers and the disappearance of the perception of the world as separate from consciousness. https://www.melissatownsend.art/works/shiva-mahimna monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/aba34785-0426-4c46-9e05-3be5b2b9709b/1_SMS.Panel1.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 1, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #1 includes verses 1-9 of the stotram. These opening verses answer the questions: “Why praise God?” “Is it even possible for us to praise God?” “How do we know that there is a God?” and “What is the nature of God?” Some of the answers: It’s impossible to praise God adequately, but there’s nothing wrong with trying. We praise God not for God’s sake, but because we benefit from doing so. Verse 7 summarizes: There are thousands of paths to You, winding and straight. Everyone follows the path suited to their nature. All paths reach You, just as all rivers enter the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/e66131e2-47e6-4427-955f-02bf836ec716/2_SMS.Panel2.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 2, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #2 includes verses 10-14, and the image is of 5 triangles, alternating between pointing upwards and downwards, which forms the Yantra of Śiva as Destroyer of Desire. These verses begin a section of allegorical/mythological stories that primarily illustrate the boundless nature of Śiva and of his generosity and magnanimity. “What prosperity does not result from bowing down to You?” He is Varada, Granter of Boons. Stories include that of Ravana attempting to move Mount Kailasa (Śiva’s home) and of Śiva acquiring the blue stain on his throat by drinking the poison to save the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/bde3cc12-715b-4fed-9db1-8c6045cab7e9/3_SMS.Panel3.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 3, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #3 includes verse 15-through-half of verse 20. These verses continue to illustrate the greatness, unimaginable power, and easy generosity and compassion of Śiva through allegory and mythology. Verse 17 is an ecstatic lyrical ode to vastness and breathtaking beauty of Śiva’s body, of which the entire Universe is but like a drop on his head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/1f9f2814-c91d-469b-ad7b-6f95fe33133d/4_SMS.Panel4.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 4, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #4, the central panel, is a square pattern, with red, blue and yellow, loosely reflecting a Śiva-Śakti yantra. It includes the latter half of verse 20 -through- verse 25. These verses continue to illustrate the greatness, unimaginable power, and easy generosity and compassion of Śiva through allegory and mythology. There is a strong emphasis on Śiva’s love of granting boons. He is easy to please. Offerings or requests made to him from a place of truth always bear fruit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/d18158bb-92cd-4d92-8e3a-2c1816b74066/5_SMS.Panel5.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 5, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #5 (verses 25 – 30) is a sky-blue bindu-and-circle pattern. The pattern and colors are simple, but deep, since this panel includes some of the most poetic and other-worldly verses of the entire stotram. Rapturous and transcendent images describe what cannot be described. Verse 26, ”The Learned say, ‘You are the Sun, the Moon, Fire, Air, Water, Space, Earth, The Self; but we do not know that thing which You are not.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/c1d138fc-5e83-4d3e-8189-ee5cd6458b62/6_SMS.Panel6.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 6, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #6 returns to the Yantra of Śiva as Destroyer of Desire: five triangles, alternating between pointing upwards and downwards. It includes verses 31 - 36. These verses continue the poetry and other-worldliness of the previous 5 verses, using metaphor and rapturous, transcendent images to describe the Divine (Śiva). Verse 32 is the last verse of original verses, written by Pushpadanta. The following verses are “phalasrut,” enumerations of the benefits of recitation of the hymn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/4efc66d5-6222-4bf1-8ae7-38dd672175af/7_SMS.Panel7.Work_Townsend.jpg WORKS - Śiva Mahimna Stotram: Hymn to the Greatness of Śiva Śiva Mahimna Stotram, Panel 6, 2011, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”. Panel #7, the concluding panel, is a multileveled bindu-circle pattern, multicolored with purple, blue, and gold predominating. It includes verses 37 - 43. These final verses continue as “phalasrut,” enumerations of the benefits of recitation of the hymn. For example: “If a person reads, or even keeps in the home this Hymn, which is dear to Śiva, He is pleased. All sins are destroyed.”