Mindfulness Meditation · Intention
This week’s meditation session is led by Lama Aria Drolma and the theme is Intention. The guided meditation begins at 21:00.
Buddha Shakyamuni; Tibet; 13th century; Gilt copper alloy with pigment; 13 1/4 × 10 3/4 × 7 in. (estimated); Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.31
This sculpture depicts the Buddha Shakyamuni, a historical figure who lived on earth and died, as all humans do. In the Buddhist religion, it is believed that his manifestation body (nirmanakaya) is a physical body that took birth in response to the needs of living beings. As a result of the Buddha’s compassion, he appeared in a human form that was perceptible to ordinary beings in order to teach them.
The stories about the life of the Buddha are among the most popular stories told in Buddhism. In this sculpture he is depicted in an earth-touching gesture, connecting the artwork to the story of the Buddha attaining enlightenment while sitting under the bodhi tree. As we reflect on this story, we might also consider what makes the Buddha’s story so powerful and meaningful in our daily lives.
Lama Aria Drolma is an ordained Buddhist teacher in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, who has completed over a decade of monastic study and meditation training. She is a graduate of the traditional Tibetan Buddhist retreat program spanning three years and three months, an advanced cloistered meditation training program at Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery, New York.
Lama Aria Drolma teaches worldwide, leading retreats, workshops, and corporate meditation programs and is a popular guest speaker at universities and organizations. She emphasizes Vajrayana Buddhism and Buddhist principles, making them relevant in our everyday lives, helping us to cultivate loving kindness and compassion, and bringing about a transformation of contentment and a genuine sense of well-being.
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