For the first week of The Rubin Daily Offering, meditation teacher and author Sharon Salzberg and Head of Programs Dawn Eshelman take inspiration from the revered Tibetan Buddhist deity Tara, who works for the benefit of all beings through her many forms.
In this episode, Dawn Eshelman describes a vibrant thangka, or scroll painting, of Green Tara surrounded by her 21 expressions. Each of her forms is associated with a unique ability to protect and remove obstacles for humanity. Then Sharon Salzberg guides us through a grounding mindfulness practice to cultivate a sense of connection, leaving us with a parting message on spreading loving-kindness.
Green Tara; Tibet; 19th century; Pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.521
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She was among the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 50 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of 14 books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed eight million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
Dawn Eshelman was formerly head of programs at the Rubin Museum.
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