Theme: Lovingkindness
Tara is known as a protector who helps travelers combat “the 8 great fears” that commonly effect their journey. They are fear of (1) drowning (2) lions (3) fire (4) snakes (5) rampaging elephants (6) marauding thieves (7) false imprisonment and (8) demons. While meant to be taking literally, these fears also represent negative emotions that must be wiped out in order to achieve enlightenment. They are respectively (1) craving (2) false views (3) pride (4) envy (5) hatred (6) doubt (7) avarice and (8) ignorance. Dressed as an Indian princess, Tara sits with her right leg extended in what is known as the pose of royal ease, making it easy for her to jump out and help anyone who might have need. Her right hand is open in the gesture of supreme generosity while her left hand rest in front of her heart holding a lotus that extends and blooms over her left shoulder.
Image credit: Green Tara, Tibet; 13th century, Brass with inlays of silver, Rubin Museum of Art, C2005.16.30 (HAR 65453)
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