This week’s meditation session is led by Tracy Cochran and the theme is Intention. The guided meditation begins at 14:47.

This remarkable depiction of Shakyamuni Buddha features the historic Buddha bejeweled and adorned with a crown. Although Shakyamuni Buddha is often portrayed in an ascetic manner to demonstrate how he renounced all attachment to the material world, crowned buddhas became prevalent in Buddhist art from the seventh century onward. In esoteric Buddhism, the crown signifies the Buddha’s awakening. 

This sculpture bears many features of late northeastern Indian Buddhist art. The Buddha’s head is relatively large, and his monastic robe clings to his body. The sculpture celebrates the Buddha’s awakening in the northeastern Indian village of Bodhgaya. Shakyamuni Buddha is seated cross legged on a double lotus, with his hands positioned in one of the best-known mudras, commonly associated with Shakyamuni Buddha. His right hand is pointing downward, calling upon the earth as witness of his enlightenment, and his left hand is in the meditation gesture. 

When we build our conscious awareness, intention becomes a force that drives all of our actions, and is active in everything we do. As we gaze upon Shakyamuni Buddha let’s renew our commitment to live life with a greater sense of intention.