Mindfulness Meditation · Compassion
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Compassion. The guided meditation begins at 13:38.
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
Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is known to be the patron deity of Tibet and is one of the most popular deities in Nepal, where 108 forms of him are known. Here is Avalokiteshvara in his simplest form, his right hand extended in the gesture of supreme generosity and holding the stalk of a lotus (now broken) in his left hand.
This sculpture is remarkable for its fluid simplicity of form, and graceful proportions. In terms of iconography, bodhisattvas are bejeweled with armlets, necklaces, and crowns. This figure has translucent drapery and large hoop-like earrings. The subtle modeling of the body contrasts with the voluminous pointed dress and scarf ends and the large, slim-petaled lotus blossom. The reddish tone of the metal where the gilding has worn away indicates a high copper content, which is typical of the Nepalese aesthetic.
Tracy Cochran has been a student and teacher of meditation and spiritual practice for decades. She is the founder of the Hudson River Sangha. In addition to offering meditation online, Tracy has taught mindfulness meditation and mindful writing at the Rubin Museum and the New York Insight Meditation Center, as well as in schools, corporations, and other venues worldwide. She is also a writer and the editorial director of Parabola, an acclaimed quarterly magazine that seeks to bring timeless spiritual wisdom to the burning questions of the day.
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