your mind’s multi-tool
Mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhism is mind’s innate ability to focus on an object. It is the indispensable part of meditation, which a strong meditation practice must develop in order to be truly meditating.
Table of Contents
Explanation of mindfulness
The Tibetan word for mindfulness is trenpa. The Sanskrit word for mindfulness is smrti. Trenpa is an exercisable ability. It can be strengthened. In fact, this is a core training of meditation. Which is to say, it is what is strengthened in order to improve meditation per se. Meditation can, of course, do many other things. However, without developed concentration, meditation will not occur. If it is poorly developed or weakly implemented, meditation will be correspondingly weak.
Control of trenpa is probably the fundamental shortfall of people on the so-called ASD spectrum. They have insufficient mindfulness or lack of full control over their concentration. Everyone has strong focus when they are interested in the topic. Consequently, one technique to improve focus in meditation (or otherwise) is to develop stronger interest in the topic or in the area of concentration.
Paying close attention to the breathing, for example, sounds quite boring. However, seeing the nuances of the breathing, really feeling them becomes fascinating. You can feel your ongoing process of being alive in a unique manner. The rising and the falling of the chest and belly, the flow of air into the nostrils, the changes in tempo of the breathing, the sense of air leaving the body and intermingling with the world around, the feeling of oxygen suffusing the body internally, the sensations of the body changing as the breathing changes, the tenuousness of life based on connection to breathing: all these and many more are valid components of concentration on just the breathing.
How to meditate like a yogi
and enter profound samadhi
Scientists have tremendous mindfulness because they can become so intensely focused on their task. Carpenters have a similar quality, as do writers. Athletes ‘in the zone’ display powerful mindfulness. This changes the character and feeling of reality. Time can slow down to see the minutest passage. Or it can pass for hours with no notice of its passing.
If the mind has a puzzle that it very much wants to solve or a task that it loves, mindfulness develops automatically. This is applied mindfulness. Getting absorbed into a movie is strong mindfulness. Likewise when we think of our new lover. Intense anger generates powerful mindfulness.
This is concentration that we do not control. Here, mindfulness is controlled by the kleshas or negative emotions (desire, anger, jealousy) or other aspects of the mind. Pride, which can culminate in Narcissism, is concentration applied to oneself. One is watching oneself so closely that being mindful creates a negative outcome.
Mindfulness is morally neutral
This aspect of concentration is widely misunderstood by many meditators. Mindfulness is frequently seen and talked about as unerringly good. This is false. It is neutral in regards to virtue. It can be applied to good / virtue or evil / nonvirtue. A person can mindfully, very mindfully in fact, commit murder. Think of the character Hannibal Lecter. He was extremely mindful of his actions.
Mindfulness must be applied to positive traits or outcomes in order to tilt towards the good and virtuous. In order to use it in daily activities, even if doing a neutral action, it is possible to turn it into a good (or bad) action karmically. This application can be very enjoyable. It is ‘thinking of others.’ At first, this sounds tedious and a bit counterintuitive. “I have to give up MY thing.”
But it does not have to be that way at all. It can be very playful, almost a type of game. Applying the mind to thinking of the good of others can lead to fantastic creativity. Doing the dishes, for example, think, “may cleaning these dishes clean up the negative karma of all beings (or a particular person or the sickness or suffering of someone or everyone) and free them from their karmic obscurations so they can be better people and benefit the world.”
Mindfulness and playfulness are mutually reinforcing. Observe the awesome mindfulness of children seriously at play. Model them.
When making food, think “may this food nourish everyone so they have strength to do good. May it be imbued with virtue and goodness so that anyone who eats it becomes a noble being. May the food be pure and good and filled with love so that I connect with whomever eats it.” When going for a walk, think “I am walking the path of truth now, moving to enlightenment. May all beings accompany me so they can be free of their suffering.”
In other words, in any action you perform, you can bring in the view of compassion and wisdom. From a tantric perspective, you can bring in the view of sacred outlook, the pure realms of the Buddhas. You can use the actions to see the luminous emptiness of the world without fixating on external objects as either real OR as nonexistent. In this way, concentration is being applied to virtue and the generation and enhancement of virtue. It is being applied to purifying the mind of negative traits and karma.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and self-discovery has become essential for our overall well-being. One ancient practice that has gained immense popularity in recent years is mindfulness. Yet, mindfulness is not just a passing trend; it’s a profound aspect of Buddhism, offering timeless wisdom and a transformative way of life. In this blog post, we’ll delve into mindfulness in Buddhism, explore its core principles, and uncover how it can lead to inner peace and enhanced mental health.
What is Mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhism?
At its core, mindfulness is a practice that encourages us to be fully present in each moment. It’s about experiencing life with heightened awareness, free from the constant chatter of our minds. We can acquire a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us.
The Buddhist approach to mindfulness – relaxed attention – can be carried off the cushion to strengthen all your relationships, at work, at home, and in general.
Key Principles of Mindfulness in Buddhism
1. Non-Judgmental Awareness: Mindfulness invites us to observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Instead of labeling experiences as good or bad, we learn to accept them as they are. It’s best not to invite more thoughts, nor to specifically stop them as this creates a backlash. Rather, let thoughts naturally and slowly subside.
2. Cultivating Presence: By focusing on the present moment, we let go of regrets about the past and anxieties about the future. Consequently, we can penetrate the present more and ‘feel’ our bodies and the space around.
3. Impermanence: Buddhism teaches us that everything is impermanent, including our thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness allows the experience of impermanence.
4. Compassion: Mindfulness is not just about self-awareness; it’s also about developing compassion for ourselves and others. This practice fosters empathy and kindness in our interactions. It’s much more likely to notice when you hurt someone’s feelings, for example, if your mindfulness is strong.
It iI can meditate on mind, but thoughts make me uneasy. Milarepa tell me how to meditate on thoughts.
Milarepa song, translated by KTGR
How to Practice Mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhist meditation
Mindfulness is Buddhst and it matters quite a bit. Here are a list of Basic Buddhist mindfulness practices.
1. Meditation: Mindfulness is the indispensable ingredient in meditation. Focus on your breath, and observe your thoughts without judgment or attaching to them.
2. Anapanasati – Mindful Breathing: Periodically, pause for mindful breathing. Watch the flow of exhalation and inhalation closely. This deceptively simple practice can ground you in the present moment, cutting through the most hectic day.
3. Body Scan: Lie down. Mentally scan your body, starting at your toes and moving up to your head. Notice any tension or sensations, and release pain or tightness.
4. Mindful Eating: When you eat, pay attention to each flavors, texture, and sensation. Mindful eating can change your relationship to food for the better.
5. Walking Meditation: In walking meditation, pay attention to each step, the feeling of your feet connecting with the ground, and the sounds of your surroundings.
The Benefits of Mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhism and life
The practice of mindfulness offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond inner peace:
1. Stress Reduction: Mindfulness helps you manage stress by providing tools to stay calm and collected in challenging situations. Strong research shows a significant benefit.
2. Improved Focus: Regular mindfulness practice enhances your concentration and cognitive abilities.
3. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: The science is in: mindfulness empowers you to manage emotions much better. Mental health improvement is highly likely.
4. Better Relationships: Interactions with others improve naturally as empathy and understanding grow.
5. Spiritual Growth: Mindfulness is a must for self-development and self-awareeness on any spiritual path. It is demanded on the Buddhist path.
If the mind’s as easy you say, thoughts are but the mind’s play. Let your mind stay within the mind.
Milarepa’s answer, translated by KTGR
Mindfulness in Psychology
Mindfulness left its Buddhist birthplace and is now a key are in psychology. Why? Mindfulness enhances mental health and well-being. It’s often used as in therapy to treat the following:
- Anxiety
- depression
- stress-related disorders.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are proven evidence-based programs that blend mindfulness practices with psychological techniques. As a result, mindfulness has become a staple go-to for many psychologists as it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to mental and emotional health.
Individuals observe their thoughts and feelings objectively, promoting self-awareness and emotional regulation. This gives them the perspective to manage challenging thoughts and emotions.
Incorporating Mindfulness into Your Life
You don’t have to be a Buddhist monk to embrace mindfulness. Start with small steps and gradually incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness exercises, and increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
Mindfulness in Buddhism is not just a passing trend; it’s a timeless tradition that has enriched countless lives for over two thousand years. By embracing mindfulness, you can cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, others, and the world around you. As the Buddha wisely said, “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Through mindfulness, you can truly live in the present moment and discover profound meaning and fulfillment along the way. Start your mindfulness journey today and experience the transformative power of this ancient practice.
faq
What is the Buddhist concept of mindfulness?
Sati and smrti or bare attention and effortful recollection.
What are the 4 of mindfulness in Buddhism?
The 4 of mindfulness in Buddhism means the 4 foundations of mindfulness – satipaṭṭhāna:
-Mindfulness of life/ body
-Mindfulness of feelings / emotional activity
-Mindfulness of mind (effort from Trungpa Rinpoche)
-Mindfulness of Dharma or the truth of reality
What are the three mindful practices in Buddhism?
The three mindful practices in Buddhism usually refer to View, Meditation and Action, also called prajna, samadhi, and shila in Sanskrit.
What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation in Buddhism?
Mindfulness is an innate quality of mind – simply the mind’s ability to focus on something. Generally, it is strengthened by any act of sustained focus on a single object. Such sustained focus is also called meditation.
What are the three 3 steps of practicing mindfulness meditation?
1) Assume a good posture, straight back, legs crossed, head erect, gaze unfocused, hands in lap.
2) Focus the mind on an object of meditation – typically the breath, as recommended by Buddha.
3) Pay bare attention to thoughts, and return the focus to the breath whenever it wanders.
How many hours did Buddha meditate?
Tough to say for sure how many hours Buddha meditated, but considering the years in meditation prior to enlightenment, likely around 15,000 hours before becoming enlightened.
What is the difference between Zen and mindfulness?
The difference between Zen and mindfulness: Zen is a Buddhist religion and mindfulness is an innate aspect of mind necessary for all genuine meditation. ZAzen is the Zen meditation, characterized by specifically timed periods of mindfulness on, generally, some aspect of emptiness.
Summary of Mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhism
Mindfulness is the native ability of mind to focus on any object it wishes to focus on. Meditation is the act of increasing the strength of this concentration and the control of it so that you can apply it at will in order to accomplish your goals. The Dharma is the application of it to either self-liberation from the snare of samsara or to compassion and wisdom to help others overcome the tendency to cause their own suffering and to attain liberation from samsara.
Mindfulness will be applied to offering others what will make them happy. Even more, you can help them understand the causes of creating their own happiness and further help them find the ultimate happiness by gaining wisdom and insight into the nature of reality.
Once we develop a strong focus for those habits, then happiness is almost inevitable. So develop the strength and control of mindfulness so you can apply it to anything you want. Then make that an object of virtue so that you act in a beneficial, good, noble and dignified manner. Then establish the view of a non-fixed nature of reality (emptiness). These are key elements of the path of Buddhism in relation to development and use of mindfulness.
