Mindfulness Meditation · Liberation Through Listening
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Liberation through Listening. The guided meditation begins at 14:20.
The Five Supreme Ones (Panchaparamesthin) India; 16th or 17th century Opaque watercolor on cloth Rubin Museum of Art C2011.21
This impressive painting is from the Jain religion, whose traditions emerged around that same time as Buddhism. Much like Buddhism, Jainism has the ultimate goal of achieving liberation, or moksha, from the cycle of death and rebirth. The center of this painting displays a Siddhachakra, or “wheel of liberated souls,” which practitioners visualize as part of their spiritual practice. The Five Supreme Ones in the center represent the five classes of venerated beings. They are the “enlightened ones,” “liberated ones,” religious leaders, teachers, and monastics. By visualizing these beings and their liberation, practitioners aim to achieve their own liberation.
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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