Mindfulness Meditation · Self-Discovery
This week’s meditation session is led by Lama Aria Drolma and the theme is Self-Discovery. The guided meditation begins at 20:08.
White Tara; Tibet; 15th century; Brass; 12 × 8 5/8 × 6 3/4 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.34
Tara is a completely enlightened Buddha who has promised to appear in the future in the form of a female bodhisattva and deity for the benefit of all beings. Tara typically appears in the form of a radiant young woman. The white form of Tara is one of the three deities, along with Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya, associated with promoting longevity. Tara is beloved in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tara has three eyes on her face; the third located at the center of her forehead, and one eye on each of her palms. This sculpture is cast in one piece and decorated with chased ornaments. Tara has a slight tilt to her head. This animated style of portraying Tara was favored by some artists of the 15th century. Tara embodies compassionate action and the willingness to embrace all beings without judgment. Her 10-syllable mantra—Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha—is memorized and recited by Tibetans from early childhood. Reciting this mantra with devotion strengthens our connection to Tara, bestows us with protection, and helps us accrue merit.
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 Aria Drolma 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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