Mindfulness Meditation · Happiness
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Happiness. The guided meditation begins at 15:50.
Zanabazar; Goddess of the Dawn, Marichi; Mongolia; late 17th century or early 18th century; Gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.26
The goddess of the dawn is depicted in many different forms. Sometimes she rides a white horse through the sky, banishing the darkness and driving back the night with the orb of the sun in her outstretched right hand. Most commonly she is yellow in color, with three faces and six arms, seated on a chariot drawn by seven pigs, removing all obstacles to happiness and well-being. The metaphor for meditation and spiritual practice is light overcoming darkness. This form of the goddess, seated in a relaxed pose, is likely an attendant figure, one of two flanking a larger sculpture of Tara. The round face, jewelry, patterned etching on the garments, and the multileveled lotus base are all characteristic of Mongolian sculpture from the 17th century.
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.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.