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; 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 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 and parabola.org.
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