Mindfulness Meditation · Mindfulness
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Mindfulness.
Chakrasamvara and the Footprints of Drigungpa Jikten Sumgon (1143–1217); Tibet; prior to 1217; Pigments on silk; 24 × 24 3/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.7.1
Printed on a faded sketch of the meditational deity Chakrasamvara, this image contains the actual footprints of the prominent 13th-century Tibetan teacher Drigungpa Jikten Sumgon. These footprints are supposed to contain the essence of Drigungpa Jikten Sumgon and it is said that in his absence, a devotee can read teachings next to the prints and it will be the same as receiving the teachings from Drigungpa himself. The footprints also reference some of the earliest depictions of the historical Buddha who, for the first 500 years of the religion, was only depicted in iconic forms including a set of footprints. Lastly, the image of footprints reminds us to take those first steps on the path of mindfulness (our theme for the day) and to remain steady in our practice.
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.
Your gateway to Himalayan art and its insights, with stories and news from the Rubin.