The Power of Mindfulness with the subtitle: An Inquiry into the scope of bare attention and the Principal Sources of its strength is a guide for understanding and working with Mindfulness as it is originally described by the Buddha. From the book:
By mindfulness or bare attention we understand the clear and single-minded awareness of what actually happens to us and in us, at the successive moments of perception. It is called “bare” because it attends to the bare facts of a perception without reacting to them by deed, speech or mental comment. Ordinarily, that Purely receptive state of mind is, as we said, just a very brief phase of the thought process of which one is often scarcely aware. But in the methodical development of mindfulness aimed at the unfolding of its latent powers, bare attention is sustained for as long a time as one’s strength of concentration permits. Bare attention then becomes the key to the meditative practice of Satipatthana, opening the door to mind’s mastery and final liberation
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The Power of Mindfulness
What is Satipatthana?
Satipatthāna, often translated as “the establishments of mindfulness” or “the foundations of mindfulness,” is one of the principal teachings in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Derived from the Pali terms “sati” (mindfulness) and “upatthāna” (presence or establishment), it refers to practices that cultivate continuous mindful awareness and deep insight into the true nature of existence. The Satipatthāna Sutta, a key scriptural reference, offers a systematic approach to mindfulness and insight meditation that can lead to the realization of Nibbāna (Nirvana) and the end of suffering.
The Four Foundations
The Satipatthāna Sutta delineates the practice into four primary domains of mindfulness:
- Kāyānupassanā (Mindfulness of the Body): Here, practitioners are instructed to develop a keen awareness of the body, its movements, and its sensations. Activities such as breathing, walking, standing, sitting, and lying down are observed mindfully. Additionally, contemplations on the anatomical components of the body and the bodily decay processes, like the nine cemetery contemplations, are introduced to foster a deeper understanding of the impermanent and non-self nature of the body.
- Vedanānupassanā (Mindfulness of Feelings or Sensations): This practice entails observing sensations that arise in the body and mind, whether they are pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. By observing these feelings without attachment or aversion, one gains insight into their transient nature and avoids being entangled in craving and clinging.
- Cittānupassanā (Mindfulness of the Mind or Consciousness): In this establishment, one observes the mind’s states and qualities, such as whether it’s greedy, hateful, deluded, concentrated, or liberated. Recognizing these states without judgment allows one to cultivate clarity and understanding of the mind’s true nature.
- Dhammānupassanā (Mindfulness of Mental Objects or Phenomena): This involves the observation of various mental phenomena, particularly the Five Hindrances (which are obstacles to meditation) and the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. Through meticulous observation, one gains insight into the arising and passing away of these phenomena and their interplay with the mind.
The Power of Mindfulness – Purpose and Benefits
The primary goal of Satipatthāna practice is to cultivate a clear, uninterrupted awareness of the present moment. By diligently observing the four foundations, practitioners aim to:
- Understand the true nature of reality: By closely observing the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena, one gains deep insights into the three characteristics of existence – anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness), and anatta (non-self).
- Overcome suffering: A deep realization of the four noble truths, which includes the understanding of suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation, can be cultivated through Satipatthāna.
- Achieve purification of the mind: Continuous mindfulness practice helps eliminate defilements such as greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to a more pure, peaceful, and liberated mind.
Practice in Contemporary Times
In today’s modern world, the practice of Satipatthāna has transcended traditional Theravāda Buddhist settings and has been embraced by people of various backgrounds, religions, and cultures. The universal and transformative aspects of mindfulness have been integrated into diverse fields such as psychology, medicine, and education. Techniques derived from Satipatthāna, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), have been developed to address various mental and physical health challenges.
Conclusion
Satipatthāna, at its core, represents the Buddha’s practical guide to understanding oneself and the nature of existence. By grounding oneself in the present moment and observing phenomena without attachment, aversion, or delusion, one embarks on a transformative journey towards clarity, peace, and ultimate liberation. Whether practiced in a traditional Buddhist context or adapted for contemporary therapeutic applications, the timeless wisdom of Satipatthāna remains a beacon for those seeking to navigate the complexities of human existence.