Mindfulness Meditation · New Beginnings
This week’s meditation session is led by Lama Aria Drolma and the theme is New Beginnings. The guided meditation begins at 7:30.
Maitreya, Buddha of the Future; Mongolia; 19th century; Gilt copper alloy with pigment; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2006.25.1a-b
Maitreya is both the buddha of the future and the bodhisattva of loving kindness. Maitreya is associated with new beginnings in his role as the buddha of the future, and he represents our collective yearning for a harmonious world.
It is prophesied that Maitreya will usher in a golden age of peace and harmony. Maitreya is said to currently reside in the Tushita Heaven and will arrive on earth during an age when the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni have been largely forgotten, heralding a new era for all sentient beings.
Historically, Maitreya held special meaning for many practitioners in Mongolia. His promise of a new age appealed to many who longed for the restoration of the Mongol Empire. Maitreya is traditionally identified by the stupa in his hair.
This sculpture was modeled on a famous statue made by the exceptional Mongolian artist, Zanabazar (1635–1723). He was Mongolia’s first incarnate lama and the leader of Mongolian Buddhism. The distinctive lotus throne and ornate leaves are unique features of Zanabazar’s style.
Lama Aria Drolma is an ordained Buddhist teacher in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, who has completed over a decade of monastic study and meditation training. She is a graduate of the traditional Tibetan Buddhist retreat program spanning three years and three months, an advanced cloistered meditation training program at Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery, New York.
Lama teaches worldwide, leading retreats, workshops, and corporate meditation programs and is a popular guest speaker at universities and organizations. She emphasizes Vajrayana Buddhism and Buddhist principles, making them relevant in our everyday lives, helping us to cultivate loving kindness and compassion, and bringing about a transformation of contentment and a genuine sense of well-being.
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