Mindfulness Meditation · Compassion
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Compassion. The guided meditation begins at 14:45.
Vajra and Bell; Probably Urga or Dolonor, Mongolia; ca. late 19th century; Silver, metal (Li, five-metal compound); 7 1/8 × 3 in. (Bell)4 × 1 1/8 × 1 1/8 in. (Vajra); Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Phillip J. Rudko; C2014.7.4a-b
In Tantric Buddhism, the vajra is a symbol of the indestructible nature of the ultimate truth. It is considered synonymous with emptiness (sunyata), which is indestructible. The vajra is said to be superior to all things, as it is capable of destroying anything with which it comes into contact, yet it remains unaffected, much like a diamond. The bell has many important meanings in Buddhism. It is often used as a call to prayer, as a bell can be heard even at great distances. The ring of the bell can represent the heavenly enlightened voice of the Buddha teaching the dharma, and it can also be used as a call for protection and as a way to ward off evil spirits.
Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, has guided meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Her latest book is Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World. She is a weekly columnist for On Being, a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, and the author of several other books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, and Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Ms. Salzberg has been a regular participant in the Rubin’s many on-stage conversations and regards the Rubin as a supplemental office.
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