Mindfulness Meditation · Impermanence
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Impermanence. The guided meditation begins at 14:20.
Machik Labdron (1055–1153); Tibet; ca. 16th - 17th century; Stone; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.17.2
One of the most famous female Tibetan practitioners, Machik Labdron stands on her left leg in a dynamic pose, holding a two-sided damaru drum in her right hand and a ghanta bell in her left hand. All schools of Tibetan Buddhism perform her signature practice called chod. In essence, chod involves intense visualizations where practitioners imagine their bodies being chopped up and offered to gods and demons. This practice “cuts through” attachment to the body, ultimately serving to ingrain impermanence in a deep, visceral way.
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.