Mindfulness Meditation · Awaken
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Awaken. The guided meditation begins at 17:25.
Buddha Shakyamuni; Central Tibet; 14th century; Gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2001.10.2
This sculpture of the Buddha shows him wearing a crown and monk’s robes, a convention that became known as Vajrasana Buddha. It refers to an iconic image of the Buddha in Vajrasana (present-day Bodhgaya, India) that commemorates the Buddha’s enlightenment. Here the Buddha sits in meditation with his left palm upright on his lap, while his right hand touches the earth. It is believed that Mara sent demonic forces to try and stop the Buddha from reaching enlightenment. When Mara demanded that the Buddha produce a witness to confirm his spiritual awakening, he simply touched the earth with his right hand, and the earth itself responded, “I am your witness.” Mara and his minions then vanished. This moment of supreme enlightenment is the central experience from which the Buddhist tradition unfolds.
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She was among the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 50 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of 14 books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed eight million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
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