Theme: Non-Attachment
This beautiful painting displays the bodhisattva, Vajrapani dressed like a prince, sitting in a relaxed pose, and holding his namesake, the vajra. Vajra, often translated to “diamond,” “adamantine,” or “thunderbolt,” represents the indestructible nature of the Buddha’s teachings. Vajrapani himself is said to be the Bodhisattva of power and appears more frequently in his wrathful form within the tantric Buddhist tradition.
Image credit: Vajrapani From Situ’s set of Eight Great Bodhisattvas, Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; ground mineral pigment on cotton; Gift of Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation, F1997.40.5 (HAR 586)
Mindfulness Meditation Series
Himalayan practitioners have, for centuries, used meditation to quiet the mind, open the heart, calm the nervous system, and increase one’s ability to focus. Now, western scientists, business leaders, and the secular world have embraced meditation as a vital tool for brain health. Learn more
Presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, the New York Insight Meditation Center, and the Interdependence Project.
About the Speaker
“Each of us has a genuine capacity for love, forgiveness, wisdom and compassion. Meditation awakens these qualities so that we can discover for ourselves the unique happiness that is our birthright.”
–Sharon Salzberg
Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, has been a student of meditation since 1971, and guiding meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Sharon’s latest book is Real Happiness At Work: Meditations for Accomplishment, Achievement, and Peace. She is weekly columnist forOn being, a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and is also the author of several other books including the New York Timesbest-seller, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program, Love Your Enemies, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, and Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness.Sharon has been a regular participant in the Rubin’s many on-stage conversations. This is her first formal meditation session at the museum. For more information, please visit SharonSalzberg.com