Mindfulness Meditation · Obstacles
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Obstacles.
Ganesha; Madhya Pradesh, India; 11th century; Sandstone; 49 × 27 1/2 × 10 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2004.14.4
Considered to be the son of Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati, this 10th-century sandstone Ganesha from Madhya Pradesh stands multi-armed in a dynamic pose of dance holding a club, an ax, a snake over his head, and a bowl of sweets. He appears this way because he is known as the removing of obstacles and can club, chop, or burst through anything that may stand in his way. Since he removes obstacles, he is one of the most universally beloved deities across India. All people worship him and in particular make offerings before beginning new endeavors in hopes of preventing any obstacles that may come in their way.
Tracy Cochran has been a student and teacher of meditation and spiritual practice for decades. She is the founder of the Hudson River Sangha. In addition to offering meditation online, Tracy has taught mindfulness meditation and mindful writing at the Rubin Museum and the New York Insight Meditation Center, as well as in schools, corporations, and other venues worldwide. She is also a writer and the editorial director of Parabola, an acclaimed quarterly magazine that seeks to bring timeless spiritual wisdom to the burning questions of the day.
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