Mindfulness Meditation · Beginning Again
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Beginning Again.
Damchen Garwai Nakpo; China; ca. 18th century; Gilt brass; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.65
The wrathful deity Damchen Garwai Nagpo is a native protector deity of Tibet. According to legend, when Buddhism was first introduced to the Himalayas, many of the native deities tried to prevent the foreign religion from coming into their domain. To subdue these deities, the great Indian Buddhist master Padmasambhava was invited by the Tibetan King Tri Songdetsen. Padmasambhava then defeated these gods, converted them, and made them swear to protect the Buddha’s teachings. Though Padmasambhava beat Damchen Garwai Nagpo, the wrathful god was able to begin again as a protector of Buddhism.
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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