Across religions, the autumn season represents our ability as human beings to let go. Just like a tree that sheds its dried leaves in the fall, human beings must learn the skill of letting go of their burdens and sufferings. The falling leaves are a symbol of the temporariness of all things. Artist Karun Soni depicts these beliefs in his painting titled Autumn Buddha – the last in a collection of paintings depicting the four seasons of Buddha.
In this piece, a meditating Buddha forms the centrepiece, while leaves radiating the glorious fall colours surround him. In the literal sense, these leaves signal a change in season. But symbolically, they mirror the cyclical and fleeting nature of our lives. Even with the dynamic developments occurring around Him, Buddha remains at peace. He shows us how we must deal with this impermanence that pervades all our lives. Acceptance is the key that unlocks the door to peace of mind. For when we accept, we don’t react, and restore the balance that is so important for a healthy mind and body.
The autumn season tells us to accept death as an ordinary occurrence that all who walk this Earth will experience. It teaches us not to be afraid and to shed our burdens so that we may experience that rejuvenation that occurs right after. For after fall comes spring and we must be prepared to receive the abundant gifts that await us in the next chapter of our lives. This artwork reminds us that if we have an open heart, we can find our inner light to guide us even when we are surrounded by darkness brought on by change.