Mindfulness Meditation · Wisdom
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Wisdom. The guided meditation begins at 14:52.
Lotus Mandala of Hevajra; Northeastern India; 12th century; Copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.10.2
Lotus mandalas count among the most fascinating objects of esoteric Buddhist art. These three-dimensional representations of deity palaces typically feature a deity at the center of the flower, which stands atop a tall stem, with the deity’s retinue placed on hinged petals around him or her. This sculpture’s mechanical hinges allow for the petals to close around the central deity, so the sculpture resembles a flower bud. Housing the deities in a lotus, a symbol of purity, serves as an ideal metaphor for the perfection of their palatial habitat as envisioned in meditative practice.
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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