This week’s meditation session is led by Elaine Retholtz and the theme is Compassion. The guided meditation begins at 11:04.

The deity Ushnishavijaya, whose name means “victorious crown ornament,” is a goddess of long life. She also removes obstacles, promotes well-being, and ensures environmental stability. Ushnishavijaya, seated within a stupa, is the central focus of the painting. She bears a variety of auspicious objects in her eight hands, including a white lotus, a vajra lasso, a bow, an arrow, and a vase filled with the nectar of immortality. Her hand gestures convey supreme generosity, protection, and meditative balance.

This painting was commissioned by a family to commemorate the death of a relative. At the bottom center of the painting is the depiction of the deceased individual. The small figure, wearing white, is shown seated on a lotus, indicating that his relatives hope that the merit generated by the painting will help him to be reborn into the pure realm of a buddha.