Mindfulness Meditation · Reimagine
This week’s meditation session is led by Michel Pascal and the theme is Reimagine. The guided meditation begins at 23:10.
Padmasambhava (Following a set of the Great Adepts designed by Situ Panchen); Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; Pigments on cloth; 36 5/8 x 7/8 x 26 1/8 in. (93 x 2.2 x 66.4 cm); Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2007.25.1
This remarkable thangka (Tibetan scroll painting), depicts Padmasambhava—one of the most revered figures within Tibetan Buddhism. He is honored for bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century CE.
According to the Kama tradition, Padmasambhava was born in northern India as the son of a king or minister. In the Terna tradition, he is a lotus-born emanation of the Buddha Amitabha.
Padmasambhava’s eight forms represent the outer, inner, and sacred aspects of Tantric teachings. In this painting, Padmasambhava is seated in a state of repose, with a mudra displayed in his right hand. He seems to gently beckon the practitioner to follow him on the path to enlightenment.
Michel Pascal, a meditation teacher for 25 years, has led successful programs for prisoners, which help prevent suicides and reduce reoffending. He’s written 20 books on spirituality, including Meditation for Daily Stress: 10 Practices for Immediate Well-Being. Known as “The Medicine Voice,” he’s performed at Carnegie Hall and played at the Peace Day Concert in Times Square in September 2023. In December 2023 he presented his methods at the United Nations.
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