Significance of Mindfulness
Synonyms: Awareness, Presence, Attentiveness, Consciousness, Focus, Contemplation, Meditation, Introspection, Awareness of the moment., Concentration
In Finnish: Mindfulness; In Swedish: Mindfulness; In Dutch: Aandacht; In Spanish: Consciencia; In German: Achtsamkeit; In Malay: Kesedaran; In French: Pleine conscience
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mindfulness'
Mindfulness in Buddhism, or "sati," involves being fully aware and present in every moment and action. It fosters clarity, helps avoid wrong views, and supports spiritual growth, essential for meditation and understanding.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Awareness and presence of mind that helps one remember and apply the teachings of past experiences in the journey towards enlightenment.[1] (2) A key aspect of the Buddha's teachings related to awareness and mental control.[2] (3) This refers to the practice of being aware and attentive to one's thoughts and actions, especially in the context of performing acts of generosity.[3] (4) Mindfulness (sati) is the quality of being aware and present, crucial for a bhikkhu to guard the mind against distractions and maintain focus on spiritual pursuits.[4] (5) The practice emphasized by the Buddha as essential for monks, focusing on awareness and intent during their spiritual journey.[5]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The practice of being aware and attentive to the present moment, which is crucial for recognizing and overcoming the arising of akusala dhammas like conceit.[6] (2) The quality of being non-forgetful about what is wholesome and supporting the awareness of objects and reality in order to develop insight.[7] (3) The practice of being consciously aware of experiences and realities, which can counteract akusala factors like moha and uddhacca.[8] (4) Awareness of the present moment, leading to clarity and understanding of thoughts and feelings.[9] (5) Mindfulness (sati) refers to the clear awareness of the present moment, serving as a prerequisite for right effort in the context of the eightfold Path.[10]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Mindfulness is a factor that monks should do their duties without letting go of it, which is a factor of their Dhamma work, which is essential for examining and guarding themselves in various situations while standing, walking, sitting, lying down, eating and all others, including the various activities around the monastery such as sweeping the ground.[11] (2) Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment, and is essential during the process of eating food, which is an important routine for the Bhikkhus.[12] (3) This is the state of being aware and present at every moment, helping the citta stay focused and preventing it from being drawn to appealing, yet harmful, things.[13] (4) This is desirable in all circumstances, and it is essential in the practice of samadhi bhavana and investigating Dhamma, playing a crucial role in one's progress.[14] (5) Mindfulness is a key factor of Dhamma that is essential for curing or promoting the problems which arise in oneself, as it is used to test and examine.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Awareness and focus on the present moment, crucial in developing concentration in meditation.[16] (2) The quality of being alert and present in one's actions, crucial for spiritual progress.[17] (3) The practice of being aware of the present moment, emphasized by the Buddha as crucial for recognizing the urgency of life and the approach of death.[18] (4) The quality of being aware and attentive, particularly in relation to Dhamma practice, as emphasized in the teachings.[19] (5) A mental state of awareness and presence that promotes a happy and alert life, especially when accompanied by a wise friend.[20]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The practice of maintaining attention on the present moment and being aware of one's thoughts and feelings.[21] (2) The continuous awareness of one's thoughts and actions, serving as a basis for controlling impulses and adhering to virtue.[22] (3) A state of well-established awareness that allows the meditator to review their meditation subjects effectively.[23] (4) The mental practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.[24]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) The practice of being aware of the present moment, specifically the arising and falling away of nama and rupa.[25] (2) Sati; the state of being fully aware and present, crucial in both samatha and vipassana practices.[26] (3) Awareness of the present moment, which can help identify and diminish the impact of dosa.[27]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A mental state characterized by active, open attention on the present, crucial for meditation and insight.[28] (2) A state of awareness and attentiveness established through practices that encourage insight and understanding.[29]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Conscious awareness aimed at retaining good thoughts and actions.[30] (2) The practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surrounding environment.[31]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A meditative awareness of one鈥檚 thoughts, feelings, and senses, crucial for recognizing the nature of phenomena and achieving insight.[32] (2) The practice of being constantly aware and present in the moment, which helps in overcoming defilements and achieving enlightenment.[33]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Mindfulness, referred to as sati in Pali, encompasses recollecting, remembering, or being heedful, particularly with regard to wholesome matters.[34]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The awareness and presence of mind cultivated by practitioners to remain focused and prepared for any challenges they may face.[35]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The state of being aware and present, which is a key quality of the bodhisattva.[36] (2) The state of maintaining awareness and presence; the Bodhisattva's clarity contrasts with the disturbed state of ordinary beings.[37] (3) The awareness (smriti) that helps stabilize the mind when it sinks or is distracted during practice.[38] (4) Awareness of one's thoughts and actions, crucial for attaining clarity and understanding in the Buddhist path.[39] (5) The state of being aware and attentive. The Buddha's mindfulness is described as perfect and without lapses due to his practices through the ages.[40]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The practice of being present and self-aware, which is vital for spiritual growth and understanding.[41] (2) The practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings.[42]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The practice of being aware of one's thoughts and actions, crucial for recognizing and letting go of negative feelings.[43]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The quality of maintaining awareness, particularly focusing on bodhicitta and key teachings during practice.[44]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, which aids in reducing suffering and enhancing clarity of mind.[45]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The practice of being aware and present in the moment, which is essential for understanding seeing-nature.[46]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The state of being aware and present in every action and thought, serving as the core practice for personal observation and understanding.[47] (2) Awareness and presence in the moment, integral to meditation and Buddhist living.[48] (3) One of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment that involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.[49] (4) The quality of being present and fully engaged in the moment, which is cultivated through practices like meditation and mindful eating.[50]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The state of being aware and present in one's actions and thoughts, crucial for effective meditation.[51] (2) Mindfulness plays a crucial role in maintaining awareness and attention, preventing individuals from falling into wrong views and violations of their vows.[52] (3) The quality of maintaining awareness of bodily actions, speech, and mental states to uphold the samayas.[53]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The state of being fully present and engaged in the moment, central to Buddhist practice.[54] (2) A meditative practice focusing on present-moment awareness, central to Buddhist practice.[55]
The concept of Mindfulness in local and regional sources
Mindfulness, as described in the text, is a meditative technique highlighting present-moment awareness, analyzed by Leon Hurvitz. It is recognized as an asset of rasayana in Caraka's texts, showcasing its value as a desirable mental quality.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A meditative technique analyzed by Leon Hurvitz, emphasizing awareness and presence in the moment.[56]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is one of the assets of rasayana that Caraka mentioned and is a desirable mental quality that lacks paranormal connotation.[57]
The concept of Mindfulness in scientific sources
Mindfulness is a technique promoting non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings, which can significantly assist in managing and perceiving pain more effectively. This practice enhances emotional regulation and well-being.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purposes, in the present moment, non-judgementally.[58] (2) This is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, and a brief session can improve mood and increase salivary oxytocin.[59] (3) This refers to a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used in various interventions.[60] (4) The study observed a significant difference in mindfulness between groups, as measured by the MAAS score, indicating that aerobic exercise can increase mindfulness.[61]