There’s nothing difficult about mindfulness.
What is difficult is dedicating time to be here, now.
Mindfulness is about being present.
We can all have hectic lives. daily problems to solve and messy pasts.
When we allow our attention to focus on such things we are not being now.
Our language gives us distractions - “should of”; “must do”; “ought to”; “I wish I had….”
All of these things may or may not be important BUT when we focus on them we are often not being now,
Mindfulness is the very heart of a path that leads to the cessation of suffering and attainment. In Buddhist terms this is Nibbāna.
Mindfulness, or sati, is to be developed and cultivated with diligence, for it is the direct path to purification, overcoming sorrow and lamentation, the cessation of pain and grief, the attainment of the true way, and the realization of Nibbāna.
Buddhists may think about mindfulness practice in the following ways.
Mindfulness of the body (kāyānupassanā): One observes the body, understanding it, and contemplating its impermanence. This can be practiced through the mindfulness of breathing, contemplation of the postures, mindfulness with clear comprehension, and contemplation of the body's components.
Mindfulness of feelings (vedanānupassanā): One becomes aware of feelings, whether pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral, and observes them without attachment, recognizing their arising and passing away.
Mindfulness of mind (cittānupassanā): One observes the mind's states, understanding the mind's inclination towards greed, hatred, delusion, or their absence, and cultivates the awareness of the mind's impermanence and conditioned nature.
Mindfulness of mental objects (dhammānupassanā): One contemplates the Dhamma, including the Five Hindrances, the Six Sense Bases, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, and the Four Noble Truths, seeing their arising and cessation.
The Four Noble Truths.
The cause of suffering
The truth of suffering
The truth of the end of suffering
The path that leads to the end of suffering
Put simply suffering exists, it has a cause and it has an end and there is a way to end it.
The Five Hindrances.
Sensory desire
Feelings of hostility, resentment, hatred and bitterness
Half-hearted action, slothfulness
Restlessness - the inability to still the mind
Doubt which leads to a lack of conviction
The Six Sense Bases.
The eye
The ear
The nose
The tongue
The body
The mind
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment
Mindfulness
The exploration of reality - energy
Energy
Joy or rapture
Relaxation or tranquility
Concentration
Equanimity - acceptance without craving or aversion
To cultivate mindfulness for spiritual growth, one must practice diligently, observing these four foundations with equanimity, neither clinging to pleasant experiences nor aversion towards unpleasant ones. Through such practice, one develops insight into the true nature of existence, leading to dispassion, liberation, and the ultimate peace of Nibbāna.
Remember, the path is to be walked with mindfulness as your lamp, your guide, and your protector. By being mindful, you will see things as they truly are, and thus, you will find liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
You are more than welcome to join us tonight on ZOOM.
It’s free to attend…
Alan /|\
Here is the link, password, and dates of the next four sessions….
Alan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Mindful Mondays
Time: Mar 18, 2024 19:00 London
Every month on the Third Mon, 15 occurrence(s)
Mar 18, 2024 19:00
Apr 15, 2024 19:00
May 20, 2024 19:00
Jun 17, 2024 19:00
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87807921477?pwd=Vy8xenV1YXU5Tjg0OG1odGh1V3hWUT09
Meeting ID: 878 0792 1477
Passcode: 450346
On my website (www.elynbres.com) you can find more resources and FREE e-Books. Hope to see you there.
Alan /||