Mindfulness Meditation · Seeking Refuge
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Seeking Refuge. The guided meditation begins at 14:20.
A parcel-gilt silver ritual ewer; Tibet or Mongolia; 19th century; Parcel-gilt silver; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2011.11
Ritual ewers are commonly found in both public and private shrine rooms. These ewers hold ambrosia, a blessed water dyed yellow with saffron, which is offered to visitors during special times of the year. As guests enter the shrine, some of the liquid is poured into their hands. They then take a small sip of the water and rub the rest on their head as a blessing. This offering welcomes guests into the refuge of the shrine, forming a karmic connection between them and deities represented by the art.
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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