Mindfulness Meditation · Mantra
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Mantra.
Maitreya, the Future Buddha; Tibet; ca. second quarter of 15th century; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1998.17.2
Maitreya, the buddha of the future, sits on a throne with both feet placed firmly on the ground. Waiting in Tushita Heaven, he will come down to teach once the lessons of Buddha Shakyamuni have been forgotten. The legend of Maitreya speaks to the universal doctrines that Buddhism expounds and how they ultimately are meant for all times and all people. His mantra, Om Maitri Maha Maitri Maitri Ye Sva Ha, invokes his presence and forges a connection between himself and followers.
Tracy Cochran has taught meditation and spiritual practice for many years. She is a speaker and author whose most recent book, Presence: The Art of Being At Home in Yourself, was published by Shambhala Publications in 2024. Tracy is the founder and leading teacher of the Hudson River Sangha and has taught mindfulness and mindful writing at New York Insight, the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, and many other venues. In addition to serving as the editorial director of the acclaimed spiritual quarterly Parabola, her writings have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Psychology Today, The Best Spiritual Writing series, Parabola, and many other publications and anthologies. For more about Tracy, please visit tracycochran.org and parabola.org.
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