Mindfulness Meditation · Gratitude
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Gratitude.
Avalokiteshvara Enshrined in a Temple; Nepal; Dated by inscription, 1850; Pigments on cloth; 63 1/2 × 57 5/8 in. (estimated); Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2006.42.2
This painting of the Rato Machendranath temple in Nepal dates from the 19th century. Hindus consider Rato Machendranath an emanation of Shiva, and Buddhists consider him an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all buddhas. This painting is overtly Buddhist since it includes scenes from the life story of the Buddha in the top third of the painting, and Machendranath appears with the classic accouterments of Padmapani, a standing form of Avalokiteshvara holding a lotus in his left hand and his right hand extended in a gift-giving gesture.
Sharon Salzberg, Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, has guided meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Her latest books are Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom and Finding Your Way: Meditations, Thoughts, and Wisdom for Living an Authentic Life. 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, Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World, 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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