Mindfulness Meditation · Mantra
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Mantra.
Red Avalokiteshvara; Tibet or Nepal; 19th century; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1996.18.2
This 19th-century painting from Tibet or Nepal depicts a red bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara standing with his right hand extended in a gift-giving gesture while holding a lotus flower that blooms above his shoulder. His mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, which is said to contain all the teachings of the Buddha, is the most written, recited, and repeated prayer in all of the Himalayas. It is often chanted several times every day and is inscribed on walls and stones along trails. It is believed that simply seeing these walls and stones, or mani, allows anyone traveling these paths to gain good merit.
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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