A PHOENIX digital content creator who posted a series of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images online of himself walking next to Hindu deities dressed in casual clothing and takkies has been labelled as “blasphemous”.
In the images Ash Naidoo is seen walking down a busy street, hand in hand with the deities, including Ganesha, Hanuman, Lord Krishna and the goddess Laxmi. Naidoo is dressed in ripped jeans, a T-shirt, coat and takkies.
Dr Lokesh Ramnath Maharajh, the chairperson of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha Priest’s Council, said: “Hindu deities are sacred and revered. Devotees worship at the feet of the Gods. Any attempt to present humans as equal to Gods via digitization would be offensive.
“Devotion can be expressed by different forms of worship, and especially seva to those in need.”
Social media user Vadthoughts said: “You need to feel ashamed that you dare to show yourself walking beside the Great Goddess. Only and only Shri Hari is capable of walking besides her. No one else. You sick, low life, evil, kalyugi person. Feel ashamed.”
Another user Shivavishnu2022 said: “... maa Saraswati, we all belong under her feet. This is not the correct way.”
However, Naidoo, 38, said his intent was not to appear to be blasphemous.
“My idea was to create the images as a personal tribute to the various deities. My aim was to reflect my personal gratitude for each of their respective blessings in my daily life. It was meant to depict my personal connection to each of the deities and how they influence, guide and bless me in all aspects of my life. The concept was to portray that God is always with us no matter where we go and what we do, whether we realise it or not,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo said he posted the images on all his social media accounts.
“To create the images, I used the latest AI technology with detailed text descriptions and prompts. AI software is also used to superimpose my personal likeness onto the image to make it more personalised. I also used various other design and editing software to give it final touches before posting on social media.”
Naidoo said he did not see any harm in what he was doing.
“I spent a lot of time and effort on each of the images in the series in order to best portray each of the deities as accurately and respectful as possible. None of the images were random or rushed as each image carried a very personal message for me.
“How I portrayed myself in the images was irrelevant, as I am a mere human. The deities beside me were portrayed to depict divinity, power, spiritual enlightenment.” He said while some of the comments were positive and supportive there was also a lot of negative criticism.
“Social media users posted that wearing shoes next to a deity was blasphemy and disrespectful. Others questioned what right I had to walk next to a God or goddess.
“Others picked on my dressing and some complained that the younger generation should not be using religious art as a form of expression and should instead respect tradition.”
Naidoo said initially he was defensive at some of the comments as they came across as very rude and ignorant instead of constructive.
“As much as I would try to explain the deeper meaning and concept behind the image, some people online simply refused to accept the rationale and preferred to continue arguing their personal views instead. Eventually, I stopped responding to the purely negative comments and the haters, and rather focused on thanking all those that showed appreciation and support for the art.
“My personal view is that we should show respect and uphold tradition when the time and place call for it, like at your prayer place, or in a temple, or at a festival. But divinity is with us no matter where you go and what you do. It subtly guides and protects us as we navigate our way through all aspects of our lives.
“When we acknowledge the omnipresence of divinity, we gain the courage and wisdom to make better life choices and to aspire to be better people, knowing that God is always with us. It also gives you a sense of comfort, in knowing that you are not alone during your hardships, as divinity is your ever-present companion.”