Mindfulness Meditation · Fluidity
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Fluidity.
Padmasambhava with his Eight Manifestations, Hayagriva, flanked by Yeshe Tsogyel, and Shantarakshita; Tibet; ca. 16th century; Copper alloy; 9 1/4 × 6 3/4 × 4 1/4 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.51.1
This sculpture depicts the great Tantric Buddhist master Padmasambhava. His main form sits in the center, with the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra directly above him and a protector deity below. Padmasambhava is flanked by two figures, presumably his consort Yeshe Tsogyal and the monk Shantarakshita, who both helped Padmasambhava establish Buddhism in Tibet. The eight different forms of Padmasambhava represent his ability to adapt to any challenge that came his way.
Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, has guided meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Her latest book is Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World. She is a weekly columnist for On Being, a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, and the author of several other books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, and Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Ms. Salzberg has been a regular participant in the Rubin’s many on-stage conversations and regards the Rubin as a supplemental office.
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