About the MeditationAbout the Meditation

This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Loving-kindness.

Related ArtworkRelated Artwork

Green Tara; Tibet; 13th century; Brass with inlays of silver; 18 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 9 5/8 in. (estimated); Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.30

Tara is known as a protector who helps travelers combat the Eight Great Fears that commonly affect their journey. They are fear of drowning, lions, fire, snakes, rampaging elephants, marauding thieves, false imprisonment, and demons. While meant to be taken literally, these fears also represent negative emotions that must be wiped out in order to achieve enlightenment. They are respectively craving, false views, pride, envy, hatred, doubt, avarice, and ignorance.

Dressed as an Indian princess, Tara sits with her right leg extended in what is known as the pose of royal ease, making it easy for her to jump out and help anyone who might have need. Her right hand is open in the gesture of supreme generosity while her left hand rests in front of her heart holding a lotus that extends and blooms over her left shoulder.

Headshot of Sharon Salzberg

Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, has guided meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Her latest book is Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World. She is a weekly columnist for On Being, a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, and the author of several other books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, and Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Ms. Salzberg has been a regular participant in the Rubin’s many on-stage conversations and regards the Rubin as a supplemental office.

Published April 21, 2016
PodcastsMindfulness Meditation

Sign up for our emails

Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work. You can unsubscribe at any time at the bottom of our emails. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

Discover artworks, articles, and more by typing a search term above, selecting a term below, or exploring common concepts in Himalayan art.