BUDDHIST MINDFULNESS

 

SUMANAPAL BHIKKHU

In Buddhism mindfulness is the path that enables us to gain complete knowledge and awareness of our suffering and to attain enlightenment in the process. Mindfulness makes us less egotistical and becomes an instrument of gaining a clearer idea about the state of no self. 

Mindfulness means the habit of bringing our attention to the present moment without evaluation. This skill has to be developed by meditation and other trainings exclusively designed for this purpose. Mindfulness derives from sati a significant element of Buddhist tradition.  

Mindfulness works in three ways. Firstly it keeps us alert about our present occupation, helps us to recognize all the skilful and unskilful qualities arising in our mind, and then finding a way to get rid those qualities that hinder our concentration.

In order to develop mindfulness the various schools of Buddhism practise different kinds of meditation mainly samatha meditation. In this technique of meditation the meditator stays alert to the present moment, observing and then releasing thoughts and makes no attempt to chase them.

Mindfulness can also be defined as a type of of meditation which makes the meditator aware of what he or she is sensing at the present moment without the use of the faculty of judgment. Mindfulness meditation takes the help of a host of other things such as control in breathing, the use of guided imagery, and other practices that enables the body and mind to relax, decrease in tension and anxiety.

The aim of mindfulness is to control our response to the world. The present is the most important period and the practice of mindfulness teaches us to observe our surroundings but not evaluate anything. Though experiencing emotions is important it is equally important to let them go. From this we can conclude that mindfulness is a state and not a trait. We can improve it by certain techniques but those should not be confused with mindfulness itself. The renowned mindfulness teacher Jon Kabut Zin advises us to focus our attention consciously on 'right here, right now'. 

There are some techniques which we can use to increase our mindfulness. In short they are as follows: a. Pay attention b. Live in the moment c. Accept yourself. d. Focus on your breathing.

In the modern age psychologist and psychiatrists are using Buddhist mindfulness in order to help people suffering from different psychological problems such as depression, stress, anxiety and drug addiction. Programmes based on mindfulness have been adopted within schools, hospitals, prisons veteran centres and other environments.

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most important elements of the Buddha's the noble eightfold path to end suffering and instill wisdom. Ultimately the mindfulness of both Buddhism and psychology is to understand the nature of self and to obtain spiritu al well being.