Mindfulness Meditation · Courage
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Courage.
Six-armed Mahakala; Mongolia; 18th century; Silver and gilt copper alloy with semiprecious stones; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2006.70.1a-f
One of the most popular wrathful deities in the Himalayan Buddhist tradition, Mahakala, stands in a warrior pose on top of the beloved Hindu deity Ganesha. He has six arms, blazing orange hair, and skirt of severed heads. With his six arms he holds a skull cup, a curved kartika knife, a trident, a noose, a damaru, and a set of skull prayer beads.
A wrathful deity, Mahakala is meant to be a wisdom protector helping maintain the Buddha’s teachings. The violent imagery used in this particular piece is a symbol for aggressively attacking one’s ego and the courage needed to undertake spiritual practice.
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.
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