Mindfulness Meditation · Healing Ourselves, Healing Our World
This week’s meditation session is led by Kate Johnson and the theme is Healing Ourselves, Healing Our World.
Lotus Goddess, Lakshmi; Nepal; 17th century; Wood with pigments and gilt repoussé; 24 1/4 × 20 1/2 × 8 1/2 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Formerly of Joe Gelpey Collection; C2008.1a-b
This magnificent wooden sculpture has been labeled as many different goddesses, showing the depth and complexity of Nepalese religions. In one way, she can be interpreted as Yellow Tara who is associated with abundance. It is likely that this sculpture would have guarded the treasure room of an affluent Newar family. Though wealth brings to mind the trappings of materialism, it can be used as a metaphor for spiritual insights.
Kate Johnson works at the intersections of spiritual practice, social action, and creativity. She has been practicing Buddhist meditation in the Western Insight/Theravada tradition since her early twenties and is empowered to teach through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She holds a BFA in dance from the Alvin Ailey School/Fordham University, and MA in performance studies from NYU.
Kate is a core faculty member of MIT’s Presencing Institute, and has trained hundreds of leaders and change-makers in using Social Presencing Theater, a mindfulness and dance improvisation methodology used to inform strategic planning and systems change in our complex world.
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