Mindfulness Meditation · Offering
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Offering. The guided meditation begins at 12:41.
Incense Burner; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet (possibly Derge area); 15th century; Damascened iron; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.67a-b
Incense burners, or censers, are used in all Buddhist cultures and denominations. The burning of incense takes place in both the home and temple, serving as an offering to the Buddha or various deities. This important ritual act is believed to clear the air of evil spirits and purify a space. Incense burners are usually placed on an altar with flowers and other offerings in front of the figure being venerated. Large incense containers are typically made of a metal such as bronze or copper and decorated with gilding or enamel details. The use of incense appears to date back to the beginning of human history. Incense is mentioned frequently in the Pali Canon, scriptures that date to the life of the Buddha.
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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