Mindfulness Meditation

A meditation session led by Rosemary Blake

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.

Whether you’re a brand-new beginner, a dabbler, or a skilled meditator seeking the company of others, join expert teachers in a 45-minute weekly program designed to fit into your lunch break. Each session will be inspired by a different work of art from the Rubin Museum’s collection, and will include an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. Chairs will be provided.

Presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg and the New York Insight Meditation Center.

Related Artwork

Theme: Compassion

The most popular Buddhist deity in the Himalayan region, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara represents the embodiment of compassion. In this particular 14th century sculpture from Nepal, he appears as an Indian royal standing with his right hand extended in a gift giving gesture as his left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower that blooms over his left shoulder. In this particular form Avalokiteshvara is known as Padmapani which means “lotus holder” with the lotus flower representing the potential for all beings to become enlightened.

About the Teacher

Rosemary Blake began meditating nearly 30 years ago. She was introduced to Buddhist teachings in 2003 and has been studying since then. She attends at least one residential vipassana retreat each year and is now committed to an annual retreat of four weeks or longer. She began teaching insight meditation at New York Insight after her graduation from Spirit Rock’s fourth Community Dharma Leaders Program. In addition she serves as President of the Board at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts.