Pravritti and Nivritti ~ Amardeep Photography

May 5, 2014: Life is a constant transition between two extreme states of Pravritti and Nivritti, constantly challenging us to discover our balancing sweet spot. These two states of life are integral to Indian philosophical systems.

Pravritti - A state of attraction, physical or mental, whereby observer identifies with worldly entaglements.

Nivritti - Total withdrawal of action, physical or mental, whereby observer fails to identify with worldly entaglements.

As a practicing Sikh, at community wedding ceremonies, time and again I hear the singing of the hymn by Guru Ramdas from page 773 of Adi Granth. The entire hymn is a journey of spiritual advancement, starting from the state of Pravritti towards discovery of ones higher being.

I find it interesting that the state of Nivritti, which finds mention elsewhere in Adi Granth, does not find a place in this hymn about spiritual transformation. I believe it is because the state of total withdrawal, which many Indian traditions believe to be a must for achieving salvation, results in total renunciation from community affairs, making such people a comatose (unconscious of the society). Running away from society is rarely an effective strategy. The demoralized usually collect dispirited results from their withdrawal. It does not mean that the philosophy of Nivritti has no place in the tradition. Exclusion of this word in the wedding ceremony hymn is a pointer to much deeper philosophical message.

“If one has to think about renouncing the world then one is not yet ready to do so. When ones interest in worldly activities drop by itself, one will automatically move into the path of Nivritti. Until then there is no end in the pursuit of Pravritti. Meaningful life is about finding that sweet spot, where neither the worldly entaglements, nor the withdrawals effect the balanced state of being.”

Photographically, as I worked with a model, leveraging bright fabrics and make-up, it reminded me of the state of Pravritti, the worldly entanglements of projections one needs to make to be of relevance in the society.

On the other hand, during a visit to Gorakhnath Temple at Gorakhpur (India), I came across renunciates. Photographing one such lady, reminded me of the state of Nivritti, or comatose.