Mindfulness Meditation · Life After
This week’s meditation session is led by Lama Aria Drolma and the theme is Life After. The guided meditation begins at 13:02.
Unidentified Religious Master; Tibet; 16th century-17th century; Parcel-gilt silver, pigment; repoussé; 26 × 34 × 25 in. (estimated); Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2009.12
This sculpture’s subject is an unknown lama. His sleeveless vest suggests his Tibetan identity, as it is not part of Indic monastic dress. Sculptural portraits of such commanding dimensions were produced to commemorate only the highest religious dignitaries. The quality of this sculpture is evident in the decoration of the robe, which features many auspicious symbols ranging from the Chinese character for longevity to auspicious flower and cloud motifs. The master’s hands are positioned in one of the best-known mudras, commonly associated with Shakyamuni Buddha. His right hand is pointing downward, calling upon the earth as witness of his enlightenment. His left hand is in the meditation gesture.
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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