Mindfulness Meditation · Forgiveness
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Forgiveness.
Bodhisattva Maitreya; Tibet; 17th - 19th century; Metal alloy; 16 1/2 × 10 1/4 × 7 7/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Ralph Redford; C2008.22
Poised on a double lotus throne, the bodhisattva Maitreya sits with his left hand resting in his lap and right hand holding a stem in front of his heart. This gesture means “no fear,” showing that his hands hold no weapons. Prophesied by the Buddha Shakyamuni, Maitreya is said to be waiting in Tushita heaven and will be reborn once the teachings of the Buddha are forgotten. Along with being the buddha of the future, he has become a popular figure of worship in his own right with devotees praying to be reborn when he comes back to Earth. Just like Maitreya, forgiveness can also serve as a reminder of the higher ideals that humanity strives towards.
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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