Mindfulness Meditation · Perception
This week’s meditation session is led by Kate Johnson and the theme is Perception.
Six-armed Mahakala; Mongolia; 18th century; Silver and gilt copper alloy with semiprecious stones; 18 3/4 × 14 1/2 × 7 1/2 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2006.70.1a-f
This 18th-century sculpture from Mongolia depicts a six-armed Mahakala trampling on the the elephant-headed god Ganesha. While clearly meant to be perceived as a wrathful being, this particular form of Mahakala is ultimately considered to be a form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. To enemies of the Buddha’s teachings, Mahakala appears malicious and frightening, while those who know his true purpose understand that his presence offers protection from delusion, corruption, and other obstacles to compassion.
Kate Johnson works at the intersections of spiritual practice, social action, and creativity. She has been practicing Buddhist meditation in the Western Insight/Theravada tradition since her early twenties and is empowered to teach through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She holds a BFA in dance from the Alvin Ailey School/Fordham University, and MA in performance studies from NYU.
Kate is a core faculty member of MIT’s Presencing Institute, and has trained hundreds of leaders and change-makers in using Social Presencing Theater, a mindfulness and dance improvisation methodology used to inform strategic planning and systems change in our complex world.
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