Mindfulness Meditation · Renewal
This week’s meditation session is led by Lavina Shamdasani and the theme is Renewal. The guided meditation begins at 16:47.
The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso (1617-1682) with Previous Incarnations; Central Tibet; 18th century; Pigments on cloth; 27 3/8 × 17 3/8 in. (estimated); Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1996.29.3
This rich ornamental painting portrays the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngagwang Lobzang Gyatso (1617–1682), and his previous incarnations. Depicted here in the center holding a lotus and vase of longevity, the Fifth Dalai Lama was the first theocratic ruler of a unified Tibet.
Red features prominently in this painting, as the color is associated with Buddha Amitabha and his lotus family, which includes the incarnations of the Dalai Lamas.
Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is featured in the painting’s top center. All of the Dalai Lamas are incarnations of Avalokiteshvara. The founder of the Tibetan Empire, Songtsen Gampo (r. 617–650), is portrayed at the top left. He is also considered an emanation of Avalokiteshvara.
As we behold the incarnations of the Fifth Dalai Lama, let us reflect on the importance of growth, transformation, and beginning anew.
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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