Mindfulness Meditation · Determination
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Determination.
Buddha Amitayus; Tibet; 17th century; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2002.18.1
Buddha Amitayus sits with his legs crossed in meditation wearing a golden crown and regal jewelry. Flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas, he holds a vase filled with ambrosia or the nectar of immortality referencing the meaning of his name “limitless life.” Behind Amitayus is a repeated motif of a buddha in brilliant gold. Though originally considered a form of Amitabha, the Buddha of the West, Amitayus has developed his own unique characteristics and cult. Considered one of the three long-life deities in Himalayan Buddhism (the other two are White Tara and Ushnishavijaya), Amitayus is worshiped in the hopes of increasing lifespan. The goal of increasing one’s lifespan is not for selfish purposes; rather it is so one can prolong his or her practice of Buddhism, displaying a determination to take full advantage of the precious human life and body.
Tracy Cochran has taught meditation and spiritual practice for many years. She is a speaker and author whose most recent book, Presence: The Art of Being At Home in Yourself, was published by Shambhala Publications in 2024. Tracy is the founder and leading teacher of the Hudson River Sangha and has taught mindfulness and mindful writing at New York Insight, the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, and many other venues. In addition to serving as the editorial director of the acclaimed spiritual quarterly Parabola, her writings have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Psychology Today, The Best Spiritual Writing series, Parabola, and many other publications and anthologies. For more about Tracy, please visit tracycochran.org and parabola.org.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.