Keeping a Balance between Materialism and Spiritualism

Batik artist Rudaera believes in keeping a balance between materialism and spiritualism. Batik refers to a generic wax-resist dyeing technique used on fabric.

Rudaera was trained to become a lawyer but ended up being a Batik artist and he finds peace and satisfaction in it. When people are not satisfied with their environment or surrounding or work, they start to travel. Rudaera ended up in India and to his luck he met, K. Haridasan, the head of an arts school in Kerala.

He says to Staronline, Malaysia

“Haridasan suggested that meditation was a good form of finding oneself – that it gives peace of mind for a person to think and contemplate,” he recalled.

On returning to Malaysia he put to practice the wisdom he gained in India.

This resulted in his first exhibition which was held in January 2005 at the Alliance Francaise, Malaysia.

His 40 oil paintings were based on Indian tantric knowledge, and featured themes like “Essence of Earth”, “Dance of the Kundalini Serpent”, and “Spirit of Creation.”

“I draw my influence from Indian tantric spiritualism – an ancient Indian knowledge about the five elements: earth, wind, fire, water, and ether.”

Soon he turned to Batik

“Batik fascinates me because there’s a spiritual essence of sensuality in each piece of cloth,” said Rudaera, who was given the name by a guru he encountered during his spiritual, soul-searching journey to India in 2004.

“The name symbolizes strength of spiritual conviction, and is derived from Rudra, an ancient god in Hindu mythology who symbolized birth, conquest, and death,” he explained.

The article talks more about his Batik works and his achievements.

It’s quite strange; people in India still view meditation and scriptures through a religious angle. People from outside come in search of these wonderful teachings.