Meghna Ajit - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Meghna Ajit
Bhumisparsha in Lalitavistara, 2023
Bhūmīsparśa in Lalitavistāra, A note, Meghna Ajit 2 nd May 2023 Lalitavistārā, transla... more Bhūmīsparśa in Lalitavistāra,
A note,
Meghna Ajit
2 nd May 2023
Lalitavistārā, translated as-The Play in full, is one of the most important texts of bhuddhist māhāyānā tradition. It is believed to be complied in the early days of māhāyānā buddhism. It has many parts which are said to be taken from the pali texts. The text begins from the times of bodhisattva in tushitā heavens, gives an account of his arrival into earth realm, his childhood, his youth with displays of skills and gifts, his leaving home for the search of answers, his practicing austerities, his reaching seat of awareness, his defeating Mārā, acquiring perfect awakening, first turning of the wheel and starting of the sañgha with first sermon. It is divided into a total of twenty-seven chapters or the parivartas. The chapter twenty-one addresses his defeating of the Mārā, the demon and lord of desire realm. It is the thought of the bodhisattva to arouse Mārā in order to conquer him. With this there is a light is created from the hair of the middle of his brows which carries which informs Mārā about bodhisattva and his intentions. He sees thirty-two omens, is scared and resolves to defeat bodhisattva with his huge terrifying army and sons. As he sets out with his most ferocious army, a few of his sons sense the divinity and in-conquerable aspect of bodhisattva and they try to stop him. Thereafter Bhadrasenā, the general of his army attempts to convince Mārā. The bodhisttva at this stage, turns his face towards Mārā and his army, in order to weaken their powers. Seeing his divinity, they panic and run. Bodhisattva then lifts his right arm, this alarms Mārā and his army attacks him only to realise the strength of his powers to overcome evil. This subtly impresses all alike. At this Mārā is filled with jealousy and attempts to insight bodhisattva asking him who is the witness of all that he has achieved to confirm what he says? As part of the response, bodhisattva, with the six auspicious signs on his palm, touches the earth with his right hand and declares that the earth as his witness. He praises earth that supports all beings and is unbiased towards all. This action of bodhisattva is- Bhūmīśparśa. The earth responds in six ways and confirms the truth of bodhisattva. With its trembling, the army of Mārā is dispersed in all directions. Mārā then send his beautiful daughters to lure bodhisattva out of the seat of awakening. Failing their attempts, they return and try to make their father understand. The eight goddesses of awakening too make their efforts to make Mārā understand. The gods try to explain Mārā to give up in sixteen ways. There after many other bodhisattvas waiting and witnessing all the happening, make their efforts to explain Mārā in sixteen ways. All this brings agitation in Mārā and he commands his army for attack. The army is surprised to see no effect on bodhisattva who is well established in his seat of awakening and is reflecting on every action and proclaims the truth that all phenomenon is empty. He the stretches his arms and makes the earth, sky, water, wind and fire as his witnesses. After this he again touches the earth-an action called- Bhūmīśparśa and earth responded back with sounds hearing which Mārā falls down and hears back a voice asking to attack and get hold of the friend of dark realm. Thus, mãrã falls to defeat and bodhisattva conquers him.
Stories of Beeja-One Let's hear about the beginning of 'The Beginning'…. D: I have seen quite a f... more Stories of Beeja-One Let's hear about the beginning of 'The Beginning'…. D: I have seen quite a few of Beeja's designs and I feel they have a rustic connect, not just in terms of the material used but the designs as well. Tell me what inspires Beeja's designs ?
Drafts by Meghna Ajit
Kedarbhatt, A study, 2022
Personal views on deep experience of attending a session by Jayshree Poddar.
Notes on Design Intervention in Tripura, 2015
An assessment note on the trip to Katlamara and Agartala_april 2015 as a field trip for the propo... more An assessment note on the trip to Katlamara and Agartala_april 2015 as a field trip for the proposed project development of rural education system and curriculum for Katlamara School-‐ Meghna Ajit Reflections from the trip Revisiting Agartala after 2001 was a long awaited experience. It was gripping to witness remarkable infrastructural developments around the city. City seemed to reflect a silent and stable ground, ideal for welcoming more thoughtful changes. The openness and newness of the developing systems even with government is evident. The city has the appeal of a small city with rich heritage, roots in the cultural practices and only with the hints of commercialization. On way to Katlamara, the stretch of Bangladesh-‐ India international border, not older than five – six years, is a huge development. This has ensured a check in infiltration and a stable life in Katlamara and other adjoining villages along with the international border has got a chance to establish itself. The other change is in the landscape of the villages. There are fewer private ponds now. The glistening asbestos sheets have replaced the beautiful and intricate bamboo huts and bamboo roofs. The fencing around the house also uses a lot of asbestos sheets replacing the bamboo fencing as the boundaries of the houses or cluster of houses. A reasonable amount of brick and mortar construction merges into the picturesque and charming terrain. Bamboo stays an important regional resource and occupations around bamboo are commonly practiced. Basket weaving, bamboo handicraft industry, bamboo board industry and bamboo plantation are a few to name. Rubber plantation is another resource that many bamboo farmers and artisans too have opted for in past decade due lack of opportunities in bamboo based occupations. Education as whole has emerged as a very potential sector that provides many openings for communities to get engaged in. The handloom industry can never be overshadowed and had its humble presence as small-‐scale units. The local culture has the imprints of the two main residing communities of the state, the native tribal communities and the Bengal community. The strain among the two reflects in the common routine interactions. Both have their own cultural beliefs and way of life that stays within individual community. The tribal communities are spread across the interiors and are hidden in the depths of the hills as well. These areas are not easily approachable and mostly lack road network. In past decade, the missionaries have extended extensive support to the tribal communities and have provided them with basic needs of health care and education. The Hindu religion has prominent presence across the state and has deep imprints on the lifestyles of both the communities. The shaktipeeth – Tripurasundari temple here has its strong influence. The culture, festivities and small details of the routine life reflect the associated way of life. After the intensive and grounded work by bamboo initiatives, NID, Katlamara, is now a recognized hub for bamboo based production. It is a must visit and important resource
Conference Presentations by Meghna Ajit
Talks by Meghna Ajit
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-design-education-can-help-building-sustainable-future-meghna-ajit
as keynote* at Istanbul mentioned, "…. What is Design today? Let us start with our new definition... more as keynote* at Istanbul mentioned, "…. What is Design today? Let us start with our new definition of design since the word has acquired so many meanings over the years. I have used the metaphor of fire to define design using a model that was developed with my students. When we look at fire we see that it has various components-Fire (Agni) is a process of transformation-a material is transformed by organic exchanges with the environment and an effect is the product of this exchange. The process is always situated in a particular context and this context is represented by the ground on which stands the fire, both time and place taken together form the context. The process of burning and the products of light, heat and smoke are all in close interplay with the environment and design too is an activity that can happen only with reference to its own context. This fire therefore represents the kind of complex transaction that I consider an adequate expression for the systems metaphor for design…" * Keynote lecture at the 4 th National Design Conference between 8 th and 9 th October 2009 at ITU in Istanbul, Turkey at the invitation of the Department of Industrial Product Design at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and the conference co-sponsors, Koleksion A.S., Profilo and the ITU. Design education is grooming of senses which enables design practitioners to be able to see what is beyond the visible, existing in its natural ecosystem. It encourages them to connect the dots and facilitate a solution which lives its own circular lifecycle through ethical practices. It's a way of conscious living. A design enabled society cannot miss the coexistence of materials, beings and energy systems. A design sensitized individual cannot miss the interconnectedness of the lifestyles of all life energies around them. This awareness is the birth of a sustainable existence where the individuals and society take the responsibility of their actions and resources. Design education plays the crucial role of nurturing the perspectives and skills among the individuals which empowers them to create a sustainable life and ecosystem. The pedagogy adapted universally professes learning while doing. It fosters the application of theory into practice in real life opportunities. How does this happen? Through learning from field and real-life scenarios, it aligns students of design to investigate deeply while identifying needs within their contextual frameworks. It facilitates the design student with certain time-tested tools which help them develop a wholistic perspective and
Bhumisparsha in Lalitavistara, 2023
Bhūmīsparśa in Lalitavistāra, A note, Meghna Ajit 2 nd May 2023 Lalitavistārā, transla... more Bhūmīsparśa in Lalitavistāra,
A note,
Meghna Ajit
2 nd May 2023
Lalitavistārā, translated as-The Play in full, is one of the most important texts of bhuddhist māhāyānā tradition. It is believed to be complied in the early days of māhāyānā buddhism. It has many parts which are said to be taken from the pali texts. The text begins from the times of bodhisattva in tushitā heavens, gives an account of his arrival into earth realm, his childhood, his youth with displays of skills and gifts, his leaving home for the search of answers, his practicing austerities, his reaching seat of awareness, his defeating Mārā, acquiring perfect awakening, first turning of the wheel and starting of the sañgha with first sermon. It is divided into a total of twenty-seven chapters or the parivartas. The chapter twenty-one addresses his defeating of the Mārā, the demon and lord of desire realm. It is the thought of the bodhisattva to arouse Mārā in order to conquer him. With this there is a light is created from the hair of the middle of his brows which carries which informs Mārā about bodhisattva and his intentions. He sees thirty-two omens, is scared and resolves to defeat bodhisattva with his huge terrifying army and sons. As he sets out with his most ferocious army, a few of his sons sense the divinity and in-conquerable aspect of bodhisattva and they try to stop him. Thereafter Bhadrasenā, the general of his army attempts to convince Mārā. The bodhisttva at this stage, turns his face towards Mārā and his army, in order to weaken their powers. Seeing his divinity, they panic and run. Bodhisattva then lifts his right arm, this alarms Mārā and his army attacks him only to realise the strength of his powers to overcome evil. This subtly impresses all alike. At this Mārā is filled with jealousy and attempts to insight bodhisattva asking him who is the witness of all that he has achieved to confirm what he says? As part of the response, bodhisattva, with the six auspicious signs on his palm, touches the earth with his right hand and declares that the earth as his witness. He praises earth that supports all beings and is unbiased towards all. This action of bodhisattva is- Bhūmīśparśa. The earth responds in six ways and confirms the truth of bodhisattva. With its trembling, the army of Mārā is dispersed in all directions. Mārā then send his beautiful daughters to lure bodhisattva out of the seat of awakening. Failing their attempts, they return and try to make their father understand. The eight goddesses of awakening too make their efforts to make Mārā understand. The gods try to explain Mārā to give up in sixteen ways. There after many other bodhisattvas waiting and witnessing all the happening, make their efforts to explain Mārā in sixteen ways. All this brings agitation in Mārā and he commands his army for attack. The army is surprised to see no effect on bodhisattva who is well established in his seat of awakening and is reflecting on every action and proclaims the truth that all phenomenon is empty. He the stretches his arms and makes the earth, sky, water, wind and fire as his witnesses. After this he again touches the earth-an action called- Bhūmīśparśa and earth responded back with sounds hearing which Mārā falls down and hears back a voice asking to attack and get hold of the friend of dark realm. Thus, mãrã falls to defeat and bodhisattva conquers him.
Stories of Beeja-One Let's hear about the beginning of 'The Beginning'…. D: I have seen quite a f... more Stories of Beeja-One Let's hear about the beginning of 'The Beginning'…. D: I have seen quite a few of Beeja's designs and I feel they have a rustic connect, not just in terms of the material used but the designs as well. Tell me what inspires Beeja's designs ?
Kedarbhatt, A study, 2022
Personal views on deep experience of attending a session by Jayshree Poddar.
Notes on Design Intervention in Tripura, 2015
An assessment note on the trip to Katlamara and Agartala_april 2015 as a field trip for the propo... more An assessment note on the trip to Katlamara and Agartala_april 2015 as a field trip for the proposed project development of rural education system and curriculum for Katlamara School-‐ Meghna Ajit Reflections from the trip Revisiting Agartala after 2001 was a long awaited experience. It was gripping to witness remarkable infrastructural developments around the city. City seemed to reflect a silent and stable ground, ideal for welcoming more thoughtful changes. The openness and newness of the developing systems even with government is evident. The city has the appeal of a small city with rich heritage, roots in the cultural practices and only with the hints of commercialization. On way to Katlamara, the stretch of Bangladesh-‐ India international border, not older than five – six years, is a huge development. This has ensured a check in infiltration and a stable life in Katlamara and other adjoining villages along with the international border has got a chance to establish itself. The other change is in the landscape of the villages. There are fewer private ponds now. The glistening asbestos sheets have replaced the beautiful and intricate bamboo huts and bamboo roofs. The fencing around the house also uses a lot of asbestos sheets replacing the bamboo fencing as the boundaries of the houses or cluster of houses. A reasonable amount of brick and mortar construction merges into the picturesque and charming terrain. Bamboo stays an important regional resource and occupations around bamboo are commonly practiced. Basket weaving, bamboo handicraft industry, bamboo board industry and bamboo plantation are a few to name. Rubber plantation is another resource that many bamboo farmers and artisans too have opted for in past decade due lack of opportunities in bamboo based occupations. Education as whole has emerged as a very potential sector that provides many openings for communities to get engaged in. The handloom industry can never be overshadowed and had its humble presence as small-‐scale units. The local culture has the imprints of the two main residing communities of the state, the native tribal communities and the Bengal community. The strain among the two reflects in the common routine interactions. Both have their own cultural beliefs and way of life that stays within individual community. The tribal communities are spread across the interiors and are hidden in the depths of the hills as well. These areas are not easily approachable and mostly lack road network. In past decade, the missionaries have extended extensive support to the tribal communities and have provided them with basic needs of health care and education. The Hindu religion has prominent presence across the state and has deep imprints on the lifestyles of both the communities. The shaktipeeth – Tripurasundari temple here has its strong influence. The culture, festivities and small details of the routine life reflect the associated way of life. After the intensive and grounded work by bamboo initiatives, NID, Katlamara, is now a recognized hub for bamboo based production. It is a must visit and important resource
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-design-education-can-help-building-sustainable-future-meghna-ajit
as keynote* at Istanbul mentioned, "…. What is Design today? Let us start with our new definition... more as keynote* at Istanbul mentioned, "…. What is Design today? Let us start with our new definition of design since the word has acquired so many meanings over the years. I have used the metaphor of fire to define design using a model that was developed with my students. When we look at fire we see that it has various components-Fire (Agni) is a process of transformation-a material is transformed by organic exchanges with the environment and an effect is the product of this exchange. The process is always situated in a particular context and this context is represented by the ground on which stands the fire, both time and place taken together form the context. The process of burning and the products of light, heat and smoke are all in close interplay with the environment and design too is an activity that can happen only with reference to its own context. This fire therefore represents the kind of complex transaction that I consider an adequate expression for the systems metaphor for design…" * Keynote lecture at the 4 th National Design Conference between 8 th and 9 th October 2009 at ITU in Istanbul, Turkey at the invitation of the Department of Industrial Product Design at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and the conference co-sponsors, Koleksion A.S., Profilo and the ITU. Design education is grooming of senses which enables design practitioners to be able to see what is beyond the visible, existing in its natural ecosystem. It encourages them to connect the dots and facilitate a solution which lives its own circular lifecycle through ethical practices. It's a way of conscious living. A design enabled society cannot miss the coexistence of materials, beings and energy systems. A design sensitized individual cannot miss the interconnectedness of the lifestyles of all life energies around them. This awareness is the birth of a sustainable existence where the individuals and society take the responsibility of their actions and resources. Design education plays the crucial role of nurturing the perspectives and skills among the individuals which empowers them to create a sustainable life and ecosystem. The pedagogy adapted universally professes learning while doing. It fosters the application of theory into practice in real life opportunities. How does this happen? Through learning from field and real-life scenarios, it aligns students of design to investigate deeply while identifying needs within their contextual frameworks. It facilitates the design student with certain time-tested tools which help them develop a wholistic perspective and