This week’s meditation session is led by Lavina Shamdasani and the theme is Generosity. The guided meditation begins at 13:55.

Vasudhara, whose name means “shower of wealth,” is a Buddhist goddess of prosperity and the harvest, associated with both material and spiritual abundance. She is often likened to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, and is often portrayed as the consort of Jambhala, another Buddhist deity of wealth. In India and Tibet she is often depicted with two arms, while in the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley she is portrayed with six arms, signifying her bountifulness. 

Vasudhara is associated with autumn in the Kathmandu Valley, where she is worshiped after the rice harvest. Depicted here in the pose of royal ease (Lalitasana), she sits with her lower right hand open and her palm facing forward in a gesture of offering. After the rice is harvested, her image is placed upon piles of rice stalks as a means of expressing gratitude for the abundance of the season. Much like rice stalks, her body has a golden hue, which is a color associated with generosity. As we gaze upon Vasudhara, may we open our hearts to express greater generosity.