Jon Kabat-Zin and other experts say mindfulness is the heart of Buddhist meditation because of its relationship with Zen meditation and Vipassana, both representatives of the philosophical doctrine here and now.
When we talk about Mindfulness, we can understand it as much as a meditation technique as a state of consciousness that generates a style of mental processing, which translates into a complete attention to what surrounds us and the events that occur.
- Therefore.
- It is considered that through mindfulness we develop a process of observation that does not judge.
- But helps us to be aware of everything around us and what we feel internally.
Although there are other Buddhist traditions such as Mahayana and Vajrayana, mindfulness is considered the cornerstone of Theravada Buddhism, which was transmitted by Siddharta Gautama in South and Southeast Asia.
One of the main meditation techniques of Theravada Buddhism is Vipassana, which is essential to achieve nirvana and self-preservation. To better understand, we can use the translation of the word “Vipassana”: the experience of seeing things as they are and not as they seem to be.
Here is a brief description of Vipassana meditation
? The person undertakes not to kill, not to steal, not to engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors, not to lie, not to use toxic substances, not to disturb the peace of others, etc. , in this way we come to serenity to live in peace.
? Second, the person must learn to control his mind by focusing on a single object, clearly recording everything that happens in relation to him. Can we use breathing, mental, feelings as objects of observation?The person must be impartial and fair when analyzing events.
? The third step is the perception of the development of nature itself. This is the culmination of the Buddha’s teaching: self-purification through self-observation.
As we have said before, mindfulness is also based on Zen meditation practices, which focus on breathing and body positions (walking, sitting and lying down). In addition, Kabat-Zinn says in reference to this type of meditation that the fundamental elements of mindfulness are:
? Don’t judge: give up the habit of classifying experiences as good or bad.
? Be patient: have the ability to respect the natural processes of events, be open to new experiences, because you learn only when you experience something.
? Keep a beginner’s mind: stay away from expectations based on past experiences.
? Have confidence and responsibility to yourself. Learn to listen to yourself and trust yourself.
? Don’t try: we have to give up the effort to get results, the regular practice of mindfulness produces results on its own.
? Accept: we must accept things as they are in the present, it is not a passive attitude, but the desire to see things as they really are, at first we can deny and be irritated by the situation, but acceptance is the best way.
Mindfulness is considered a central element among the many therapies called the third generation, which represent a broader and more flexible approach to emotional experiences that promote a sense of well-being.
The consciousness we acquire through this practice is revealed as a universal human capacity that, paradoxically, fades or falls asleep in our daily lives.
Therefore, mindfulness is an end in itself, a fully conscious way of living. Achieving mindfulness is something that requires efforts to change bad habits such as distraction or denial. You have to practice to succeed.
Many times we do not realize the sensations that occur within ourselves, we care about the future or stop in the past, which prevents us from paying attention to what really matters, here and now, a state of mindfulness that we develop through mindfulness.