Mindfulness Meditation · Transforming Obstacles
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Transforming Obstacles.
Nyima Oser, One of the Eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava; Tibet; 18th century; Gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1997.31.22
Wisdom comes in many forms. This sculpture depicts one of the eight manifestations of Padamasambhava, Nyima Oser, whose name means “ray of sun.” In this form, Padmasambhava embodies the archetype of the mahasiddha, the great tantric practitioners of medieval India. These mahasiddhas were known for their “crazy wisdom,” which often led to behavior transgressing standard social norms, demonstrating their innate ability to transform negative energies and obstacles into the very essence of enlightenment.
Tracy Cochran has taught meditation and spiritual practice for many years. She is a speaker and author whose most recent book, Presence: The Art of Being At Home in Yourself, was published by Shambhala Publications in 2024. Tracy is the founder and leading teacher of the Hudson River Sangha and has taught mindfulness and mindful writing at New York Insight, the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, and many other venues. In addition to serving as the editorial director of the acclaimed spiritual quarterly Parabola, her writings have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Psychology Today, The Best Spiritual Writing series, Parabola, and many other publications and anthologies. For more about Tracy, please visit tracycochran.org and parabola.org.
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