Mindfulness Meditation · Clarity
This week’s meditation session is led by Michel Pascal and the theme is Clarity. The guided meditation begins at 17:27.
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419); Tibet; 16th century; Silver, copper, and enamel with semiprecious stones and pigments; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation; F1997.31.19
This sculpture depicts Tsongkhapa, the founding teacher of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsongkhapa is typically portrayed in monastic robes, with his hands held at his heart and a sword and a book resting on lotuses above his shoulders. He is also often depicted wearing a yellow hat, which is a signifying feature of the Geluk tradition. Sometimes a miniature textile hat is placed on the head of figures of Tsongkhapa.
The sculptor made a concerted effort to create an accurate likeness of Tsongkhapa. Biographies that were written in close proximity to Tsongkhapa’s lifetime paint a vivid portrait of him. He is described as having a large head, a round face with a wide forehead, a prominent nose, and a V-shaped hairline.
As we behold Tsongkhapa, we can envision him instructing us on the path of the dharma and leading us towards greater clarity.
The most well-known figures associated with the Geluk school are the lineage of reincarnated Dalai Lamas. Read this article to discover more about Tsongkhapa and the Geluk tradition.
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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