Mindfulness Meditation · New Beginnings
This week’s meditation session is led by Michel Pascal and the theme is New Beginnings. The guided meditation begins at 22:42.
Dipamkara Buddha; Nepal; Dated by inscription 1853; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1997.17.23
Dipamkara is known as the Buddha of the Previous Age, which refers to the age prior to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived approximately 2,500 years ago. As we herald new beginnings, it’s meaningful to reflect upon the past.
It is taught that Dipamkara prophesied Shakyamuni’s future enlightenment. Around the seventeenth century, Dipamkara’s rituals were popularized by Nepalese Buddhists, who consider him the patron deity of merchants and alms giving.
This painting was commissioned by Tuladhar Bhajuvantasingha, most likely to be displayed in honor of a special alms-giving festival. The celebration illustrated in the painting takes place at the Swayambhu stupa of Kathmandu, which is depicted above the central figure.
In Tibetan art, Dipamkara is usually portrayed with Buddha Shakyamuni and the bodhisattva Maitreya depicted as a Buddha. They are collectively known as the Buddhas of the Three Times and often presented in a three-painting set.
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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