Mindfulness Meditation · Awaken
This week’s meditation session is led by Elaine Retholtz and the theme is Awaken. The guided meditation begins at 6:43.
Butter Lamp; Tibet; 18th - 20th century; Silver, turquoise; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2011.13.8.2
Displayed in most Tibetan Buddhist temples or sacred sites, butter lamps are a symbol of enlightened awareness and have an important role in daily offerings.
Butter lamps are also intended to focus the mind during meditation. Traditionally yak butter was burned inside of butter lamps. Today vegetable oil or ghee is often used, especially in parts of the world where yak butter isn’t readily available. The light itself serves as a metaphor for illuminating awareness, just as meditation practice dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads to awakening.
Elaine Retholtz has been studying and practicing the Dharma since 1988. In addition to teaching Dharma at New York Insight Meditation Center, she is certified both as a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher and MBSR teacher trainer. Elaine has a deep interest in helping students integrate mindfulness practice into daily life.
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