Mindfulness Meditation · Concentration
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Concentration.
Stupa; Tibet; 13th-14th century; Copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.21.1
The earliest monument in Buddhism, the stupa originally was a burial mound meant to hold relics of the Buddha. As time went on, the stupa began to symbolized the unwavering concentration of the Buddha’s mind and his presence in an iconic form. The stupa rests with the four corners of its base oriented in the cardinal directions with a long spire placed in the center jutting towards the heavens. The stability of the structure reminds practitioners of the ideal of concentration and how that particular trait can further one’s self along the path.
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.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.