Mindfulness Meditation · Resilience
This week’s meditation session is led by Lavina Shamdasani and the theme is Resilience. The guided meditation begins at 13:22.
Lotus Mandala of Hevajra; Northeastern India; 12th century; Copper alloy; 12 3/8 × 7 5/8 × 6 5/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2003.10.2
Lotus mandalas are considered to be some of the most unique objects in esoteric Buddhist art. These three-dimensional representations of deity palaces typically feature a god or goddess standing atop the center of a flower with the deity’s retinue placed on hinged petals around him or her. The sculpture’s mechanical hinges allow for those petals to close around the central deity so that the sculpture resembles a flower bud.
Housing the deities Hevajra and Naraitmya in a lotus, a symbol of purity, serves as an ideal metaphor for the perfection of their palatial habitat as envisioned in meditative practice. The lotus flower is a potent symbol in Buddhism—they grow in muddy waters, rise to the surface, and bloom into beautiful flowers. As we behold the lotus mandala let us reflect on our own capacity to demonstrate strength amidst adversity.
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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