William Blake, a Prophet of Modern Times Event. Series at the Metropolitan Library in Bucharest

 From November 28 to December 12, 2023, at the central headquarters of the Metropolitan Library in Bucharest, a series of events is taking place under the title "William Blake, a Prophet of Modern Times," which includes the photo-documentary exhibition "William Blake's Painting in the Light of Sahaja Yoga," created by Carol and Luis Garrido (United Kingdom). Carol and Luis Garrido conducted 14 years of research, among other things, leading to the discovery of the real tomb of the poet, painter, and prophet William Blake in 2018. The exhibition is presented in Romanian translation and is dedicated to the centenary of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahaja Yoga, a personality who herself promoted the art of Blake. The opening ceremony takes place on November 28 (William Blake's birthday) at 7:00 PM.

Event Schedule:

•             Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 7:00 PM - Opening of the exhibition "William Blake's Painting in the Light of Sahaja Yoga" by Carol and Luis Garrido

•             Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 5:30 PM – Practical Session: Self-Realization - a Fulfilled Prophecy

•             Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM - Conference: William Blake's Painting in the Light of Sahaja Yoga

•             Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 5:30 PM – Conference and Meditation: The Spiritual Pattern of William Blake in Human History

•             Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM – Opera at the Library presents an Evening of Music and Poetry from William Blake's Lyrics

•             Friday, December 8, 2023, at 5:30 PM – Reading Evening from William Blake's Creations

•             Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 AM – Recital of Indian Classical Music: Raag Bhairav

•             Monday, December 11, 2023, at 12:00 PM – Scientific session: Exploration of the Symbolism and Interpretation Methods of William Blake's Literary and Visual Creation 

•             Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 3:00 PM – Closing of the exhibition "William Blake's Painting in the Light of Sahaja Yoga" by Carol and Luis Garrido

Admission to all events is free. Address: Metropolitan Library Bucharest, central headquarters (Mihail Sadoveanu), Tache Ionescu Street No. 4, Sector 1 (Romană/Amzei Square)

Project Team: Exhibition composed and documented by Carol and Luis Garrido Translation into Romanian by Anca Ionescu and Dragoș Rusu Curator: Viorel Untaru

The story of the exhibition "William Blake's Painting in the Light of Sahaja Yoga," created by Carol and Luis Garrido, began in 1984 in London. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the spiritual personality who founded Sahaja Yoga in the 1970s, presented them with an album of William Blake's paintings in her home. Details describing energy channels, chakras, as well as tattwas (divine principles in Vedic philosophy), and themes related to the detailed practice of Sahaja Yoga were identified. Special attention was given to the unique representation of the Virgin and Baby Jesus. Beyond encrypted messages and symbols, William Blake's paintings emitted immense vibrations and extraordinary joy, and Shri Mataji's enthusiasm was contagious throughout the community. Later, Shri Mataji, along with Sahaja yogis from London, visited the Tate Britain Gallery, where each painting was carefully analyzed. Shri Mataji demonstrated the source of vibrations, and those present were invited to verify them.

Luis Garrido's exhibition contains a selection of approximately 150 paintings by William Blake presented in three parts, of which 70 will be exhibited at the Metropolitan Library. This small series of paintings demonstrates that there are countless "Reflections of Sahaja Yoga Principles in William Blake's Paintings."

Shri Mataji stated, "Sahaja Yoga is intended for people with a very large heart, in which Jesus Christ could be adored. That is why William Blake clearly said that England should be Jerusalem."

In 2023, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi is celebrated. She lived a life dedicated to transforming people's lives through the discovery and development of their own spiritual natures. In the 1970s, she developed the Sahaja Yoga technique, which involves activating the Kundalini energy, allowing people to achieve a state of balance and develop intellectual and creative qualities. Shri Mataji traveled worldwide for over 40 years, giving speeches and seminars and offering practical teachings to thousands of people. Throughout her activities, Shri Mataji received the United Nations Peace Medal, the Pleiade Award 1996 (Italy), and the Gold Medal awarded by the "Eco Forum" Secretariat.

British lawyer of Portuguese origin, Luis Garrido, was part of the leadership of the Blake Society in London for 12 years and conducted research (in collaboration with the Blake Society and the London Borough) on the location of William Blake's and his wife Catherine's graves, identifying their exact location. He has published several acclaimed studies by researchers worldwide on the works of the great English poet and painter, including one on Jesus Christ in Blake's painting. Currently, Luis is working on a new research project on the connection between William Blake's philosophy and traditional Asian philosophical currents. Throughout all these activities, his wife, Carol Garrido (M.A.), a landscape architect and former accredited member of the Landscape Institute and the Blake Society committee, has been by his side.