Theme: Forgiveness
Poised on a double lotus throne, the bodhisattva Maitreya sits with his left hand resting in his lap and right hand holding a stem in front of his heart. This gesture means “no fear” showing that his hand holds no weapons. Prophesied by the Buddha Siddhartha Guatama, Maitreya is said to be waiting in Tushita heaven and will take rebirth once the teachings of the Buddha are forgotten. Along with being the Buddha of the future, he has become a popular figure of worship in his own right with devotees praying to be reborn when he comes back to Earth. Just like Maitreya, forgiveness can also serve as a reminder of the higher ideals that humanity strives towards.
Image credit: Maitreya Bodhisattva; Himalayan; 17th-19th century; metal; Rubin Museum of Art, gift of Ralph Redford; C2008.22 (HAR 57005)
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