Mindfulness Meditation · Compassion
This week’s meditation session is led by Rosemary Blake and the theme is Compassion.
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara; Nepal; 13th - 14th century; Gilt copper alloy with semiprecious stone inlay; 16 1/8 × 6 1/2 × 2 7/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.8
The most popular Buddhist deity in the Himalayan region, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara represents the embodiment of compassion. In this particular 14th-century sculpture from Nepal, he appears as an Indian royal standing with his right hand extended in a gift-giving gesture as his left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower that blooms over his left shoulder. In this particular form, Avalokiteshvara is known as Padmapani which means “lotus holder,” with the lotus flower representing the potential for all beings to become enlightened.
Rosemary Blake began meditating nearly 30 years ago. She was introduced to Buddhist teachings in 2003 and has been studying since then. She attends at least one residential vipassana retreat each year and is now committed to an annual retreat of four weeks or longer. She began teaching insight meditation at New York Insight after her graduation from Spirit Rock’s fourth Community Dharma Leaders Program. In addition she serves as president of the board at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts.
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