It’s much, much deeper than I can write. The thing with Hunduism is to understand the symbolism. Before words, there was art. And art speaks to the intellect, and moves your heart.
For the example, a monk asks the Buddha, ‘what is the truth?’ The Buddha simply touches the ground with one hand and with his other hand raises a lotus flower. Nothing was said...but the monk smiled, and bowed. If you don’t understand symbolism, the story makes no sense.
I LOVE that story! There are so very many from both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions that are so rich and relevant to ALL cultures!
You mention how art reaches the heart - and it does. It is also reached by music. Some of the Bajans are so very uplifting as are some of the ragas.
I love the story about Maitreya approaching the Buddha and was sorrowful at mankind’s plight of ignorance. How can they be reached? Is it even possible? The answer was, something like “Learn the 144,00 different kinds of love.” Apparently Maitreya rejoiced at hearing this because it meant the it was indeed possible to reach mankind and that they could be enlightened.
You may know the details better than me, but I have found that inspiring over the years.