Mindfulness Meditation · Impermanence
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Impermanence. The guided meditation begins at 14:20.
Ceremonial Conch Trumpet (Dung Kar); Tibet; 19th century (?); Conch shell and metal with gilding; 9 3/4 × 14 5/8 × 2 5/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2011.4
This ceremonial conch is a symbol of purity due to its white color, as well as a symbol of wealth in the Himalayas. The conch is typically played to mark the beginning of a religious assembly. Its elaborate metal frame features a kirtimukha, or “face of glory,” depicting a fierce protector deity that is often found on Tibetan ritual items. When the sound of a conch shell dissipates, it serves to remind practitioners of the impermanence of all phenomena.
Tracy Cochran has been a student and teacher of meditation and spiritual practice for decades. She is the founder of the Hudson River Sangha. In addition to offering meditation online, Tracy has taught mindfulness meditation and mindful writing at the Rubin Museum and the New York Insight Meditation Center, as well as in schools, corporations, and other venues worldwide. She is also a writer and the editorial director of Parabola, an acclaimed quarterly magazine that seeks to bring timeless spiritual wisdom to the burning questions of the day.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.