Mindfulness Meditation · Empowerment
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Empowerment. The guided meditation begins at 21:31.
Manjushri; Tibet; 19th century; Metal alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2013.9a-c
In the tantric literature of Northern Buddhism, Manjushri, the male embodiment of wisdom, is seen as a completely enlightened buddha with a great number of manifestations and appearances. Through empowerment practice, Manjushri tames ignorance, which is a root cause of suffering, and enhances wisdom. Here he is in his peaceful form, resting in lotus posture. In his four arms he holds a book for teaching, wields a sword, and carries a bow and arrow. Not only does he empower practitioners through bestowing mantra, but he also empowers through knowledge. Learning is the truest form of self-empowerment.
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.