Mindfulness Meditation · Generosity
This week’s meditation session is led by Rebecca Li and the theme is Generosity. The guided meditation begins at 21:25.
Avalokiteshvara; Tibet; 12th century; Copper alloy; 13 × 9 × 6 7/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2002.24.1
Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva who personifies the compassion of all the buddhas, is the most venerated deity in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Seated in the posture of royal ease, with one leg pendant and one folded, he holds the stem of a lotus bud. The inlaid eyes and tuft of hair between them (urna), subtle smile, incised lower garment (dhoti), and modeling of the body testify to the mastery of the sculptor. Older sculptures such as this were treasured by Tibetans and were often kept as heirlooms.
Dr. Rebecca Li, a dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community. She teaches meditation and dharma classes, gives public lectures, and leads retreats in North America and Europe. Li is the author of Allow Joy into Our Hearts: Chan Practice in Uncertain Times, and her book Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method was published by Shambhala Publications in 2023. She is a sociology professor and lives with her husband in New Jersey.
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