Theme: Action
In this week’s podcast, meditation leader Rebecca Lee draws inspiration from the movement of the wrathful deity Achala. His motion reflects the importance of engaging in actions that benefit ourselves and others””a practice to end suffering.
About the Mindfulness Meditation Podcast
The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, and includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. The guided meditation begins at 22:22.
If you would like to attend Mindfulness Meditation sessions in person or learn more, please visit our website at RubinMuseum.org/meditation.
This program is presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, the Interdependence Project and Parabola Magazine.
Related Artwork
Wrathful Buddhas, like the Immovable One, are models of the enlightened mind, having achieved a state of spiritual perfection. Beautifully modeled and more graceful than fear-inducing, the Immovable One charges with so much energy to aid a devotee that the ribbons in his headdress fly out to either side. His wielding of the sword of wisdom above his head is a link with Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The Bodhisattva of Wisdom also wields a sword, and the Immovable One is considered a special protector of his teachings. The Immovable One’s left hand makes a threatening gesture in which the index finger is raised, although missing is the lasso with which he ensnares those needing assistance.
Just as pilgrims contemplate religion and their lives, the viewer examining the artwork reflects on the many paths.
About the Speaker
Dr. Rebecca Li, a Dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, started practicing meditation in 1995. She began her teacher’s training with Master Sheng Yen in 1999 to become a Dharma and meditation instructor. Later on, she trained with Simon Child to lead intensive retreats and received full Dharma transmission in 2016. Currently, she teaches meditation and Dharma classes, gives public lectures, and leads retreats in North America and the UK. Her talks and writings can be found at www.rebeccali.org. She is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community and a sociology professor at The College of New Jersey, where she also serves as faculty director of the Alan Dawley Center for the Study of Social Justice.