Marianna Rydvald

A SPIRITUAL SAGA

According to ancient and contemporary Buddhist teachings, the centermost principle unifying spiritual life is balanced living. Particularly noteworthy is the legacy of timeless wisdom so auspiciously shared by its founder, Gautama Buddha. His inspirational oracles trace patterns of growth and renewal, confirming the wellspring of natural perfection within us and Creation itself. The Buddha's original teachings have become of major influence in today's world, providing inspirational sustenance to millions.

Attractive contemporary styles of sacred art are now emerging in Hawaii. The artistry of the sacred has been beautifully portrayed by internationally acclaimed Swedish painter, Marianna Rydvald. To view her work firsthand, I was magnetically drawn to the romantic island of Maui. Tucked away in a delightful tropical flower-strewn meadow on the slopes of towering Haleakala mountain is her studio and home. It was as if I had finally reached a long sought-after inspiring place of heavenly refuge...and indeed, I had! As I stepped inside her charming abode, I'm greeted by a whole series of striking canvases depicting exotic Asiatic themes. Protector Buddha's, and a dazzling array of impressive Tibetan deities captivate my eye. There is a sense of timelessness to this pleasant, lush scene that speaks to my soul of harmony.

Marianna, a personable woman with a mellifluous singsong European accent, consents to give me a tour of her sanctuary. It is a rare treat to be invited to document the evolution of this talented, prolific artist, whose work has received well-deserved acclaim from museums, private collectors, and the general public. It's hard to know where to begin in terms of discussing her work, which has blossomed from humble beginnings over several decades.

I discover that Marianna loves, as I do, to travel to far-flung locales. Dotted along the pilgrim trail are select power spots. Dharamsala and Sikkim, Benares, Nepal, Tepoztlan and Tibet, all steeped in ancient mystical traditions. Her study of such lore has graced her unfolding path, complete with auspicious meetings with the exiled Tibetan Dalai Lama as well as many other revered spiritual leaders. As she entertains me with tale after tale of remote Afghanistan, India and Nepal's lofty Himalayas, I'm able to piece together the luminous tapestry of her life.

Her roots run deep in her connectedness with Nature. Born into the pristine Nordic environment of Lapland (Northern Sweden), she has been able to, in her way, identify with the natural virtues of Nature at its best. Marianna's quiet passion is truly remarkable. She whispers to me in a playful nonchalant, yet somewhat serious tone: "Nature is a splendid teacher, teaching impermanence, leading to experiences of relative and ultimate truth. Her amazing words zing like the ascending full moon through unplumbed space, for in acknowledging the transcendental nature of Self-realization, the immortality of the Living Spirit is honored. All this follows what a precious teacher, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, once told her: "Be true to your own style. Study the old traditions and work on the transition from the old to the new."

Further developing an inner calling, she began her career with intensive study of the world's foremost illumined scholars - philosophical greats such as Herman Hesse and Rudolf Steiner. From Hesse's landmark book, Siddhartha, she became introduced to eastern wisdom. Since this early exploration, Buddhist themes have pervaded much of her artwork. Yet also, she skillfully weaves together a variety of other spiritual traditions, including Samye, Native American, Hindu, Celtic and Mexican influences. Marianna , as I soon found out, is well versed with the bigger picture. Her artistry is not only prevalent on balmy Hawaiian shores but, also, emblazoned on the sides of tall urban skyscrapers in the bustling metropolises of Stockholm and Copenhagen

Adopting a world view, her artistic efforts are in their universal scope, all encompassing in luminosity. In her words: "The purpose of this work is to inspire spacious equanimity. As I have lived in many parts of the world, contemplating sacred traditions and experienced the suffering of conflict and war deriving from views that separate people from one another, I wish through this art to unify these sacred traditions, inspiring the transition, the coming together of the People, thereby creating peace and understanding in dedication of World Peace. One project close to my heart is to create a Sanctuary of Transformative Art and Science. I will dedicate originals and murals for this project that may inspire present and future generations."

During one stage of her long pilgrimage, she was invited to paint murals on the walls of the Karma Tharjay Chokhorling Monastery located a Gautama, Buddha's place of Enlightenment, in Bodhgaya, India. There, two of her huge murals delineate the radical juxtapositions of Buddha's life. On the one hand, in the painting,The Buddha Practicing Austerities, viewers are shocked to see extreme asceticism that preceded Buddha's eventual adoption of the less austere middle path. At the other end of the spectrum is the rich sumptuousness of the bliss-captivated sage, as portrayed in her Enlightened Buddha mural.

In additional works, Marianna honors sacred cosmological wonder of the Divine Feminine principle. This is particularly notable of her brilliantly conceived Tara series, rendered in the Tibetan thangka style of portraiture. The exquisite painting, Tara, the Mother of all Buddha's and Savior of All Beings, is magnificent. Steeped in a moonstone luminescence, transcending duality, the glowing image emanates super-charged compassionate wisdom

In her own words: "In my childhood there was no apparent influence from eastern traditions. I created a secret primordial Mother in my mind. Her name was Tara. She was endowed with accomplishments of virtue, wisdom and compassion. Her form was pure, expressing simplicity, free from elaborations. Eventually I learned to paint traditional forms of Tara that so beautifully portray enlightened qualities. My grandmother was from Samye origin (reindeer herders). Later in life I learned that in the Samye tradition there exists a primordial Mother called MaTaraKha. How wonderful to experience the long journey of all our ancestors as they circumambulated our home planet, praying for liberation, that exquisite simplicity that is forever present, being one with everyone. Therefore I love to create forms of primordial Mother, an abode of peace within beings, inspiring equanimity. Sadly we acknowledge how innumerable women have been repressed for ages by warlords and patriarchs who suffers from ignorance, pride and the hunger for control, fearing the wisdom of the Mother. Thus we cast aside all dualistic clinging as used garments in humble veneration of Great Spirit, the blissful non dual spaciousness experienced as Clear Light."

In the cosmology of the sacred, all moves full circle. Her White Buffalo Calf mural tells of the Native prophecy of global unification. According to this teaching, the birth of a white buffalo is meant to signify bridging the twain, between east and west. The threads of diverse traditions are converging to emphasize, with heart, the glory of oneness. It's a time for leaders and the common populace from many walks of life to gather to exchange information and render assistance to one another and the world. Ideally, this dynamic synthesis is designed to rebirth cooperative harmony, the prevailing peace which perfectly embodies a whole series of ensuing golden ages of enlightened wisdom.

Equally as unusual are the birthing temple series of paintings that tap into the dynamic pulse of Hawaii. The main theme is that of a powerful Hawaiian enchantress, Pele - the fiery volcano goddess said to oversee the evolution of the islands. Whether one is prone to identify with Pele in this context or not, by seeing the activity of seismic eruptions first hand, massive lava flows creating new turf, observers are able to gain a healthy respect for the creative forces of the Universe.

Within the tapestry of continual upheaval, I've also admired scenes from Marianna's political avant garde theater, sacred drama performances having evolved from the late 1950's. She has attracted a wide diversity of skilled artisans, including well known composers and directors.

While visiting His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa's Monastery in Sikkim in the early seventies and seeing His operas, she became inspired to create Dharma theater in the West. Expressing these visions to His Eminence Situ Rimpoche, she was advised to go forward in her quest, to discover talented actors, dancers and writers and draw from the magnificent storehouse containing Life Stories of Masters.

She envisioned the first play to portray the life and quest of
Padmasambhava, a great mystic who was invited to Tibet by King Trison Detsen, to inspire Vajrayana, the Buddhist Diamond Path amongst his people. She wished to portray the sage both in historical and current perspectives thus evoking his enlightened benevolence at this time when the world is threatened by many wars. In addition, her aim was to demonstrate how the great mystic in his quest to enlighten all realms can transform negative energies into auspicious qualities through non attachment and devotion. This would be acted out in a scene where Padmasambhava challenges the Raksha King who is the energy of stagnant self cherishing, the rudra of ego. They debate and Padmasambhava displays the mystical dance of the great Herukas, Protectors of Dharma. The Raksha King and his realm realizes the futility of attachment and are instantly transformed into the benevolent and enlightened activity of the Herukas. Bridging a wide array of diverse spiritual traditions such as Native American, African, Indian and Tibetan; dancers, actors and musicians would honor Padmasambhava's victorious quest.

One of the main characters would be a Chinese Taoist priest whose support of Padmasambhava signified the long sought-for peace between Tibet and China. The accomplished yogini Yeshe Tsogyal, the consort of Padmasambhava would be seated in a solitary cave performing Chod practice, evoking equanimity aspired for by women of today. Mandarava, an Indian princess would represent motherly love and compassion that goes beyond the craving of the Self. A Naga queen with attendants who guard sacred treasures would offer them to Padmasambhava. Also a mighty war lord, comprehending the master's teachings on impermanence, seeing the dance of the Chitta Mani, was transformed through Padmasambhava's blessings into the legendary Tibetan King Gesar of Ling, a Bodhisattva hero. He promises to carry out the commands of Padmasambhava, to be a guiding Dharma protector for all beings. At the finale there would be dedication songs in homage to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Finally after over twenty years of preparations, study and contemplation Marianna had gathered friends and sponsors to put together a showcase at California's Marin Civic Auditorium, performing "The Life of Padmasambhava" in the spring of 2000. The Artist painted large murals depicting the sacred Himalayas and visions of space, elaborate crowns and painted costumes that were specially designed to represent Nature's elements. Marianna performed in the play and cast many of the performers. This enactment was a momentous endeavor and learning experience. Marianna hopes that through this model showcase, every one that worked with the play learns how to purify and simplify a performance so that the essence of Dharma Theater will be understood and embraced by the audience. That is what Marianna aspires to in future performances by theater companies such as Samye Dance and Theater Company.

When I ambled through Nepal's bustling Kathmandu recently, I glimpsed a lone priest attentively revolving a Tibetan prayer wheel while chanting mantras. I was reminded that Marianna's visions are also essential parts of the Great Wheel of Life it self... planting seeds and growing, reaping rich harvests, being one with the infinite ways of Dharma.

As Marianna and I discussed our mutual interests, I realized that the entire day had almost vanished! There, before us on the distant horizon, was a huge golden sun slowly sinking into oblivion. In the impending twilight, just before parting the serene refuge, I caught a glimpse of yet another beautiful painting, inspired from a dream, - an eagle grasping a Tibetan Thangka, tendering it mid-flight over the Himalayas. This, I view, as a gracious omen. It is Marianna's quintessential sprit mingled with the Buddhist teachings, reaching ever new heights. In celebrating this same joy...may Light radiate through all realms!

You may view more of Marianna's artwork,
on line at:
www.dakiniunlimited.com.
She is also available for commissions.
You may contact her at:
dakini@maui.net
or

POBox 445, Kula Maui,
Hi.96790.
Tel: 800 484 3832 ext.0467