Rubin Museum's Meditation Session Features 11th-Century Manjuvajra Sculpture
The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art has introduced a guided meditation session, led by Michel Pascal, focusing on the theme of discernment, which begins at 23:24 in the video. The session features an 11th-century sculpture of Manjuvajra, a tantric representation of Manjushri, originating from Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh, India (C2004.14.3). Crafted from a leaded copper-zinc-tin alloy with silver inlay, this sculpture showcases three heads and six arms, characteristic of early Himalayan bronzes, incorporating elements of Kashmiri artistry. The deity wields a sword, a lily, and a bow and arrow, symbolizing the fusion of wisdom and skillful means. Pascal, a meditation instructor for 25 years, has written 20 books and performed at Carnegie Hall and the Peace Day Concert in September 2023.
Key facts
- Michel Pascal leads a guided meditation on discernment, starting at 23:24.
- The featured artwork is an 11th-century sculpture of Manjuvajra from Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh, India.
- The sculpture is made of leaded copper-zinc-tin alloy with silver inlay.
- It is part of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art collection, accession number C2004.14.3.
- Manjuvajra is a tantric form of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
- The sculpture has three heads and six arms, holding a sword, lily, and bow and arrow.
- Michel Pascal has 25 years of meditation teaching experience and has worked with prisoners.
- Pascal performed at Carnegie Hall and the Peace Day Concert in Times Square in September 2023.
- Pascal presented his methods at the United Nations in December 2023.
- The Rubin Museum's collection includes nearly 4,000 objects spanning over 1,500 years.
Entities
Artists
- Michel Pascal
Institutions
- Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
- Carnegie Hall
- United Nations
Locations
- Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- India
- Times Square
- New York City
- United States