Mindfulness Meditation · Balance
This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Balance. The guided meditation begins at 15:07.
Manjushri; Tibet; 19th century; Metal alloy; 38 1/4 × 30 1/2 × 19 3/8 in.; Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2013.9a-c
Within Vajrayana Buddhism, Manjushri is a meditational deity who is associated with wisdom, and is one of the most frequently portrayed figures in Tibet. This form of Manjushri, in which he is depicted as a bodhisattva, is the focus of practice in all of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Manjushri is seated on a lotus pedestal. The style of the lotus pedestal and the intricate halo reflect Nepalese aesthetic conventions. It’s possible that this work of art was produced in a Nepalese workshop for a Tibetan patron.
Manjushri has four arms. His upper left hand raises a sword, cutting through ignorance. In his upper right hand is a book, symbolizing wisdom and Buddhist teachings. His lower left hand wields an arrow and his lower right hand holds a bow of penetrating wisdom. The balance between the sword and the book exemplifies the integration of wisdom and skillful means, which is essential for attaining enlightenment.
Tracy Cochran has been a student and teacher of meditation and spiritual practice for decades. She is the founder of the Hudson River Sangha. In addition to offering meditation online, Tracy has taught mindfulness meditation and mindful writing at the Rubin Museum and the New York Insight Meditation Center, as well as in schools, corporations, and other venues worldwide. She is also a writer and the editorial director of Parabola, an acclaimed quarterly magazine that seeks to bring timeless spiritual wisdom to the burning questions of the day.
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