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.
Ritual texts from the cycle of the Tibetan Book of the Dead; Tibet; 15th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; C2008.15.1
This ritual text is from the Bardo Thodol, commonly known in the West as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The circles arranged vertically from top to bottom contain the letters for om, ah, and hum, meant to purify the body, speech, and mind respectively. This text was most likely was used by a master to initiate a student into meditation practices associated with the Tibetan Book of the Dead, which are intended to prepare practitioners for the intermediate stage between death and rebirth. It also serves a valuable reminder that, just like all things, our lives and sense of self are impermanent.
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.
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