Mindfulness Meditation · Awakening
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Awakening. The guided meditation begins at 13:41.
A parcel-gilt silver ritual ewer; Tibet or Mongolia; 19th century; Parcel-gilt silver; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2011.11
This elaborate ewer is intended for pouring liquid offerings during initiation ceremonies, daily offerings, and other rituals in Tibetan Buddhist practice. It may have been housed in a monastic setting or a lay household shrine.
This vessel is a strong example of the exquisite silver metalwork produced in Tibet and Mongolia in the 19th century. It features traditional Tibetan symbols and aesthetic elements characteristic of the region.
A gilt dragon adorning the belly of the vessel is surrounded by the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, which are also highlighted in gold. The spout emerges from the mouth of the mythical sea creature makara.
This singular vessel has layers of meaning including a stylized lotus pattern at its base. The lotus flower is a recurrent motif in Hindu and Buddhist iconography as a potent symbol of awakening and transformation.
Tracy Cochran has taught meditation and spiritual practice for many years. She is a speaker and author whose most recent book, Presence: The Art of Being At Home in Yourself, was published by Shambhala Publications in 2024. Tracy is the founder and leading teacher of the Hudson River Sangha and has taught mindfulness and mindful writing at New York Insight, the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, and many other venues. In addition to serving as the editorial director of the acclaimed spiritual quarterly Parabola, her writings have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Psychology Today, The Best Spiritual Writing series, Parabola, and many other publications and anthologies. For more about Tracy, please visit tracycochran.org.
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