Mindfulness Meditation · Action
This week’s meditation session is led by Rebecca Li and the theme is Action. The guided meditation begins at 22:22.
Achala, The Immovable One; Tibet; 14th century; Gilt copper alloy; 10 5/8 × 10 1/8 × 4 5/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.24
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 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.
Dr. Rebecca Li, a dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community. She teaches meditation and dharma classes, gives public lectures, and leads retreats in North America and Europe. Li is the author of Allow Joy into Our Hearts: Chan Practice in Uncertain Times, and her book Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method was published by Shambhala Publications in 2023. She is a sociology professor and lives with her husband in New Jersey.
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