Mindfulness Meditation · Discernment
This week’s meditation session is led by Kimberly Brown and the theme is Discernment. The guided meditation begins at 9:59.
Buddha Shakyamuni Defeating Mara; Eastern Tibet or Mongolia; 19th century; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Purchased from the Collection of Navin Kumar, New York; C2004.28.5
This striking thangka depicts the moment that Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment. The Buddha’s mental resolve to break free from suffering is a shining example of the power of discernment. He sat down under the bodhi tree and vowed to remain there until he dispelled all illusions.
It is taught that the demon Mara and his daughters tried to disrupt the Buddha’s efforts to awaken to the true nature of reality. Mara’s army attacked the Buddha with weapons, but he transformed their spears and arrows into flowers. His daughters tried to seduce the Buddha and entice him to abandon his quest, however, his concentration remained unwavering.
Then the Buddha touched the ground to call upon the earth as a witness of his enlightenment. This gesture became known as the earth-touching mudra. The descendant of the tree that the Buddha sat under is revered to this day as the tree of awakening.
Kimberly Brown is a meditation teacher and author. She leads classes and retreats that emphasize the power of compassion and kindness meditation to reconnect us to ourselves and others. She studies in both the Tibetan and Insight schools of Buddhism and is a certified mindfulness instructor. Her latest book is Happy Relationships: 25 Buddhist Practices to Transform Your Connection with Your Partner, Family, and Friends. You can learn more about Kimberly at meditationwithheart.com.
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