Mindfulness Meditation · Being Whole
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Being Whole.
Flying Naga; Nepal or Tibet; 14th century; Gilt copper alloy; repoussé; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.18
Swirling out of intricate clouds is a great nagaraja, or “serpent king,” wearing a crown, earrings, and a hood of three snakes. In both Nepal and Tibet, naga, or serpents, are considered extremely powerful beings that can either help or harm people. Looking closely at this work, it’s most likely that it used to be part of a large throne back, a fraction of a whole. What gives away this sculpture’s status as a fragment are the talons that grip the flying naga’s hip. These talons likely belonged to a now missing depiction of Garuda, king of the birds, who is often shown grabbing naga in throne back decorations.
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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