Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci - uomo universale

Leonardo da Vinci is an incredible person to learn about. Born in the mid 15th Century, Leonardo was famous even in mid twenties, for his quick intellect and his skill in many fields. Although mostly recognised as a painter, especially for his portrait of Mona Lisa and her beguiling smile, Leonardo was also an architect, mathematician, sculptor, inventor, biologist, physician, engineer, zoologist in Renaissance Italy. ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’, can definitely not be applied to Leonardo’s huge outpouring of work in my opinion - I feel he was the 'master of much'.

Leonardo da Vinci had an aspiration to capture perfection in his work, spending hours in observation, capturing the finest muscular movements in animals, to detailed drawings of the human anatomy. His dissection in corpses was a little frowned upon in the 1400’s, but proved to be the way of a whole new scientific system bases on observation and description. Whilst he did these rather gruesome investigations, Leonardo proved to be very kind at heart. He was a vegetarian, and was know to buy caged animals at markets, with the intent of setting them free.

Leonardo really invented a lot. A favoured activity of his was his pursuit in creating flying machines. Many of which followed the structure of birds wings. The closest to actually flying however was the helicopter style of machine. He invented unique bridges, the basis of the modern submarine, and even an underwater breathing device. Leonardo was a peaceful person, but his genius was highly sought after. As his paintings did not bring enough income to support himself, he was employed by powerful men to create weapons of war. He actually invented a type of cannon and the worlds first army tank, using cogs and levers. Finally he was employed by the King of France, Francis 1, who was generous and kind to Leonardo who worked for him happily until his passing at the age of 67.

Leonardo da Vinci sought unity in diversity. On the topic of unity in diversity, Sri Chinmoy once commented:

"A mystic takes unity and diversity as one. Further, he sees unity in diversity. He tells the world that the One and the Many are one. The One is Many in its universal form. The Many are One in their transcendental form. In our spiritual life, we come across two significant words: occultism and mysticism. Occultism is secrecy and cries for secrecy. It wants to house everything in top secrecy. Mysticism is not like that. Mysticism is ready to offer its achievement, transcendental Knowledge, to all who cry for it." Source: The Quintessence Of Mysticism.