Mindfulness Meditation · Intentionality
This week’s meditation session is led by Rebecca Li and the theme is Intentionality.
Lotus Mandala of Hevajra; Northeastern India; 12th century; Copper alloy; 12 3/8 × 7 5/8 × 6 5/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.10.2
This intriguing object is a three-dimensional mandala in the shape of a lotus. A mandala is a meditation tool in the form of an architectural blueprint of a deity’s palace, which enables human interaction with the divine. Supported on a stalklike base, this mandala features one early Indian grouping of the Eight Great Siddhas on the exterior of its eight petals. The lotus once enclosed a now-lost deity and his consort at the center. On the inside of each petal are eight female yoginis, who were part of the central couple’s retinue.
Dr. Rebecca Li, a dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community. She teaches meditation and dharma classes, gives public lectures, and leads retreats in North America and Europe. Li is the author of Allow Joy into Our Hearts: Chan Practice in Uncertain Times, and her book Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method was published by Shambhala Publications in 2023. She is a sociology professor and lives with her husband in New Jersey.
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