Mindfulness Meditation · Unity
This week’s meditation session is led by Lavina Shamdasani and the theme is Unity. The guided meditation begins at 10:16.
Eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara; China; 18th century; Silk embroidery and gold thread; 30 1/2 × 16 3/4 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.5
The deity shown here is another form of the idea of compassion. Here he shows commitment to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. His many heads see in every direction; and his eight hands hold objects (attributes) that signify his generosity, capacity to teach, his ability to overcome obstacles, and his recognition of the Buddha nature in all sentient beings.
A notable feature of tantric art is the multiplication of arms, heads, legs, eyes, and implements to deal with impediments to enlightenment. Adding more parts is perhaps best understood by the principle that more is more. More arms mean more capacity for providing aid; more attributes mean more powers. Specific numbers can carry particular messages within a line of teaching. Rainbow light emanates from this compassionate being, attended by the sun and the moon stilled in a timeless sky and flanked by two sturdy plants on earth—one like a lotus, the other like an iris.
Dr. Rebecca Li, a dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community. She teaches meditation and dharma classes, gives public lectures, and leads retreats in North America and Europe. Li is the author of Allow Joy into Our Hearts: Chan Practice in Uncertain Times, and her book Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method was published by Shambhala Publications in 2023. She is a sociology professor and lives with her husband in New Jersey.
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