Mindfulness Meditation · Perspectives
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Perspectives. The guided meditation begins at 19:05.
Drum (Nga); Tibet; Mid-19th century; Wood, pigments, leather, metal; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Robert and Lois Baylis; SC2019.3.1a-b
The sound produced by this large, double-headed frame drum varies according to the type of ritual. It can be peaceful or wrathful depending on the character of the deity invoked. A musician holds the long handle in their left hand and strikes the middle of the drum with a curved stick using their right hand. The instrument is used frequently in rituals for wrathful deities, religious dances, and processions. The drum takes on metaphorical meaning within Buddhism, in which sharing the Buddha’s teachings is called “sounding the drum of the dharma.” This type of drum is often associated with the sound of rolling thunder, alluded to by the clouds and dragons painted on its frame.
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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