"From crown to quiet light,
From palace into sight,
Power turns to peace,
Dark transforms to bright."
Soul's Passage
Sari ID: 26 SANG SOP AAM
By Sangeeta Abhay
Collection: Journey and Exile
Created by: Sangeeta Abhay, Bangalore, Karnataka
Latest Exhibit: Asian Art Museum, San Francisco (March 2026)
Status: Available for sale
Includes: Fully embroidered sari, blouse kit materials for two blouses, certificate of authenticity, full provenance
Care: Dry clean only by textile specialist
The Artist
Sangeeta Abhay is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores Buddhist philosophy through paintings and sculptures using gold leaf, oil, resin, and eco-friendly materials. She received the 12th Florence Biennale 2019 award for her anamorphic Buddha sculpture "Peace Warrior" and was featured as the sole Indian artist in the BBC documentary "Civilisation." Her work has received praise from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Padma Bhushan Gulzar wrote couplets for five of her artworks.
The Inspiration
When she heard the theme Journey and Exile, she immediately connected to the life of Buddha.
Soul Passage traces the transformation of Siddhartha into Buddha. This was not an exile forced upon him. It was a journey he chose. A conscious movement away from luxury toward self realization.
The sari composition is divided into two halves. The left side represents Siddhartha of the Shakya lineage. Lions between jewels on the crown signify royal heritage. Shields and swords emphasize palace life and material power. The background is maroon with diamonds and architectural elements of a palace, reflecting wealth and inherited identity.
The right side reveals Buddha. The background turns gold. Hearts and pigeons symbolize peace. A Bodhi tree rises in quiet strength, reminding us that loving oneself is the first step toward enlightenment. Traditional buttas are replaced with doves. Deer resting beneath the tree represent an environment of complete serenity.
At the pallu border appears the phrase Atta Dipo Bhava in Pali, meaning Be your own light.
From Sari to Art
This piece is fully embroidered and highly intricate.
The embroidery was executed by Bharti, Madhurya, and Pihyoo’s team under Sangeeta’s close supervision. She guided the stitch language and worked collaboratively with the artisans. Through the process, she learned new terminologies and techniques while refining her vision through their expertise.
Monochrome tones were used for Buddha’s faces, while gold zari dominates the composition, reinforcing spiritual radiance. The process was one of shared craftsmanship, patience, and devotion.
Message for the World
This sari reflects who one is and what one is becoming.
It invites the wearer to hold both power and surrender with grace. Each fold carries a journey, not away from the world but toward one’s true self.
It is about choosing transformation.
About strength that deepens into awakening.
About becoming your own light.