Mindfulness Meditation · Facing Chaos
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Facing Chaos. The guided meditation begins at 16:01.
Buddha Shakyamuni Defeating Mara; Eastern Tibet or Mongolia; 19th century; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Purchased from the Collection of Navin Kumar, New York; C2004.28.5
There are many versions of the legend of Shakyamuni Buddha and the attack of Mara and his daughters. In one version, upon seeing Siddhartha seated under the bodhi tree in his firm resolve to become a buddha, Mara summons his forces to attack the prince. Mara’s ten-fold army consists of Lust, Aversion, Hunger, Thirst, Craving, Sloth and Torpor, Cowardice, Doubt, Hypocrisy and Stupidity, False Glory, and Conceit. Mara himself wields a thousand arms and rides on his elephant, Girimekhala. His followers are armed with deadly weapons and assume various frightening forms while joining the attack. Mara also has three daughters, Tanha, Arati, and Raga, who try to tempt the Buddha after his enlightenment.
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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