Right Mindfulness – Memory & Ardency on the Buddhist Path by Thanissaro Bhikku (Geoffry De Graff). A growing flood of books has advanced two theories about the practice of mindfulness (sati). The first is that the Buddha employed the term mindfulness to mean bare attention: a state of pure receptivity—non-reactive, non-judging, non-interfering—toward physical and mental phenomena as they make contact at the six senses. The second theory is that the cultivation of pure attention alone can bring about the goal of Buddhist practice. The premise of this book is that these approaches are highly questionable and seriously misleading. The main aim of this book is to show that the practice of mindfulness is most fruitful when informed by the Buddha’s own definition of right mindfulness and his explanations of its role on the path. As he defined the term, right mindfulness (samma-sati) is not bare attention. Instead, it’s a faculty of active memory, adept at calling to mind and keeping in mind instructions and intentions that will be useful on the path. For instance Mindfulness while Breathing.
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Right Mindfulness
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What is Samma-sati?
Samma-sati, also known as “Right Mindfulness,” is one of the aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism. It is a fundamental practice in Buddhist meditation and is considered one of the key factors in the cultivation of insight and wisdom. Samma-sati can be translated as “right mindfulness,” “right awareness,” or “right recollection.” It involves bringing focused attention to the present moment, observing and understanding the nature of one’s mind and body, and developing awareness of the impermanent and interdependent nature of all phenomena.
Directing attention to various objects of meditation
The practice of samma-sati involves directing attention to various objects of meditation, such as the breath, bodily sensations, thoughts, emotions, or specific contemplative themes. Through sustained mindfulness, one aims to develop a deep and clear understanding of the true nature of reality, including the arising and passing away of experiences, the nature of suffering, and the absence of a fixed, independent self. By cultivating samma-sati, practitioners develop the ability to be fully present, non-reactive, and non-judgmental, which can lead to a greater sense of calm, clarity, and insight. It is considered an essential practice in the path towards liberation from suffering and the attainment of enlightenment in Buddhism.