Mindfulness Meditation · Hope
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Hope. The guided meditation begins at 14:43.
Ganesha; Nepal; 17th century; Copper alloy; 8 7/8 × 6 1/8 × 2 3/4 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2004.22.2
Ganesh (also known as Ganesha), the Lord of Good Fortune, provides prosperity and success. As the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles, both material and spiritual, he also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked. Revered by people throughout India, regardless of their social caste or spiritual affiliation, Ganesh is often invoked before the undertaking of important tasks. Ganesh is also associated with the first chakra, or energy wheel, which underpins all of the other chakras and represents conservation, survival, and material well-being. He is considered to be a patron of the arts, sciences, and letters. Devotees believe that if Ganesh is worshiped, he grants success, prosperity, and protection against adversity.
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.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.