Mindfulness Meditation · Interconnectedness
This week’s meditation session is led by Lama Aria Drolma and the theme is Interconnectedness. The guided meditation begins at 13:25.
Vajra, Bell and Case; Bhutan; 20th century; Metal alloy (Bell and Vajra); Ash wood (Case); A: Bell: 8 1/2 × 3 7/8 × 3 7/8 in. B: Vajra: 1 1/8 × 4 5/8 × 1 1/8 in.C: Case: 8 1/8 × 6 × 4 7/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; SC2010.8a-c
It seems the primary significance of the vajra in Buddhist Tantric thought is as a symbol of the indestructible nature of the ultimate truth. In this sense, the term vajra is often explained as synonymous with emptiness (sunyata) which is indestructible. The Vajra is said to be superior to all things in that while it is capable of destroying anything with which it comes into contact, it, like a diamond, remains unaffected. The vajra represents skillful means, the active component of the ultimate attainment of Buddhahood, while the vajra-ghanta, or bell, represents wisdom.
In Buddhism, bells have many important meanings. They are often used as a call to prayer as they can be heard even at great distances. The ring of the bell can represent the heavenly enlightened voice of the Buddha teaching the dharma and can also be used as a call for protection and as a way to ward off evil spirits.
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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