Mindfulness Meditation · Illumination
This week’s meditation session is led by Michel Pascal and the theme is Illumination. The guided meditation begins at 21:08.
Coral Mask of Begtse; Mongolia; early 20th century; Papier-mâché, coral, metal, fabric; 20 × 19 × 13 1/2 in. (estimated); Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2006.41.1a-k
Masks such as this one are donned during an annual masked dance known as tsam (cham in Tibetan). The intention behind wearing the mask is to dispel the forces that obstruct us as we move towards a state of illumination.
Begtse is the protector of the leader of Mongolian Buddhism, the Bogda Gegeen. Begtse plays a prominent role in Mongolian ritual dance. In Mongolian monasteries the tsam dance focuses on the elimination of negative energies, specifically the eradication of forces that block the path to enlightenment.
This mask is exceptionally rare and only a few are known to exist. Masks such as this were made only in Mongolia. It is decorated with roughly six thousand pieces of coral. As you can imagine, it’s considerably heavy. It would have been worn by a specially selected strong, young monk who could manage the weight. A framework inside of the mask enabled the monk to see through the mouth of the mask. This mask is a potent visual reminder of the mental fortitude required to nullify the forces that bind us.
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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