Mindfulness Meditation · Fluidity
This week’s meditation session is led by Lavina Shamdasani and the theme is Fluidity. The guided meditation begins at 11:53.
Vajrasattva; Nepal; 14th century; Gilt copper alloy of multiple parts with traces of pigments; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.10
Vajrasattva; Nepal; 14th century; gilt copper alloy of multiple parts with traces of pigments; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.10
This graceful portrayal of Vajrasattva is the embodiment of fluidity. With his dance-like posture, he accepts the ebbs and flows of existence with ease.
Vajrasattva is both a highly accomplished bodhisattva and a primordial buddha. His name means “vajra being,” and he is the personification of the vajra, the most important ritual implement and symbol of Esoteric Buddhism. The vajra is a symbol of power and the indestructibility of the enlightened mind.
This incredibly elegant example of Nepalese sculpture depicts Vajrasattva holding a bell at his waist, and he would have once held a vajra with his right hand. The figure’s well-proportioned body, with strong limbs that bend as if he is dancing, swaying gracefully at the waist, perfectly combines feelings of movement and stability. Vajrasattva’s gracefulness is further enhanced by his ornate crown and jewelry. His helmet-like hairstyle and wide circular earrings are characteristic of Nepalese sculpture.
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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