Mindfulness Meditation · Self-Discovery
This week’s meditation session is led by Lavina Shamdasani and the theme is Self-Discovery. The guided meditation begins at 12:50.
Dipamkara Buddha; Nepal; Dated by inscription 1853; Pigments on cloth; 44 1/2 x 34 5/8 x 2 1/4 in. (113 x 87.9 x 5.7 cm); Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1997.17.23
Dipamkara is known as the Buddha of the Previous Age. He is associated with the age prior to the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived 2,500 years ago. Dipamkara is credited with having predicted Shakyamuni’s future enlightenment.
Nepalese Buddhists consider Dipamkara the patron deity of merchants and almsgiving. Dipamkara is widely revered in Nepal. His rituals were popularized in the 1600s.
This painting was made in Nepal and the Swayambhunath Stupa of Kathmandu is depicted above the central figure. We are able to precisely identify this painting by date. The inscription reveals that it was commissioned in 1853. The painting was most likely intended to be displayed in honor of a special almsgiving festival. May Dipamkara awaken the spirit of generosity in all of us.
Lavina Shamdasani is a certified compassion teacher through the Compassion Institute and Stanford University. She has taught programs focused on mindfulness, compassion, joy, and gratitude and led book club discussions and meditations for over five years.
Lavina studied positive psychology coaching at the Wholebeing Institute and helps clients transform their lives and meet their personal and professional goals.
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