Michel Pascal Leads Impermanence Meditation at Rubin Museum, Inspired by 14th-Century Flying Naga
At the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, meditation instructor Michel Pascal conducts a guided session focused on the theme of impermanence, inspired by a 14th-century gilt copper repoussé sculpture of a Flying Naga from Nepal or Tibet (C2005.16.18). This artwork illustrates a naga, a water-associated serpent spirit, featuring three serpent heads atop its crown, with its sinuous shape reminiscent of waves. In both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, nagas govern rainfall and agricultural abundance, with female nagas referred to as naginis and their male counterparts as nagarajas. The dynamic nature of the sculpture symbolizes life's constant changes, urging attendees to embrace transformation. With 25 years of meditation experience, Pascal has implemented prison programs that have notably reduced suicides and recidivism. He is the author of 20 spirituality books, including Meditation for Daily Stress: 10 Practices for Immediate Well-Being, and is recognized as “The Medicine Voice.” His performances span venues like Carnegie Hall and the September 2023 Peace Day Concert in Times Square, and he showcased his techniques at the United Nations in December 2023. The session commences at 21:44.
Key facts
- Michel Pascal leads a meditation session themed Impermanence at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art.
- The session is inspired by a 14th-century Flying Naga sculpture from Nepal or Tibet.
- The sculpture is made of gilt copper alloy in repoussé technique and is in the Rubin Museum collection (C2005.16.18).
- The naga is a serpent spirit associated with water bodies like lakes, rivers, and seas.
- The sculpture features three serpent heads atop the naga's crown.
- In Hinduism and Buddhism, nagas are believed to control rain and agricultural prosperity.
- A female naga is called a nagini; kings of the nagas are called nagarajas.
- Michel Pascal has been a meditation teacher for 25 years and has led prison programs that help prevent suicides and reduce reoffending.
- Pascal has written 20 books on spirituality, including Meditation for Daily Stress: 10 Practices for Immediate Well-Being.
- Known as “The Medicine Voice,” Pascal performed at Carnegie Hall and the Peace Day Concert in Times Square in September 2023.
- In December 2023, Pascal presented his methods at the United Nations.
- The guided meditation begins at 21:44.
Entities
Artists
- Michel Pascal
Institutions
- Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
- United Nations
- Carnegie Hall
Locations
- Nepal
- Tibet
- Times Square
- New York City
- United States