Mindfulness In Buddhism

In common terms, to be mindful is to be aware of something important. Though it is not often though about, mindfulness is important in everyday life as it allows one to partake in daily activities such as conversations, work, or study. This age old concept began in Buddhism and is essential to meditation practices. In Buddhism, mindfulness can be thought of as alertness of mind, or being completely engrossed in an experience. Mindfulness is a key part of the meditation experience. Furthermore, mindfulness has been thought to reduce stress, increase emotional well-being, as well as increase self-awareness. Mindfulness is an ancient tradition with countless benefits. This paper will examine mindfulness, its history, its practice, and its importance …show more content…
Mindfulness is an ancient technique that comes from “the Buddhist practice of meditation originating about 2,500 years ago” (Garfield 2015). Mindfulness and meditation are the cornerstone of Buddhist traditions and teachings. These teachings are a part of the Four Noble Truths as well as the Noble Eightfold path (About Buddhism 2007). The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold path capture the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. The Four Noble Truths are truths that the Buddha discovered as he achieved enlightenment (Buddhist Studies 2008). The first truth is The Noble Truth of Dukkha or suffering (Buddhist Studies 2008). The second truth is The Truth of the Cause of Dukkha, which is desire and attachment (Buddhist Studies 2008). The more you want and desire something, the more you suffer. The third truth is The Truth of the Cessation of Dukkha, which only occurs when desire ceases (Buddhist Studies 2008). This is important as it suggests that happiness can only be achieved once you have given up your desires and accepted the present moment. The fourth truth is the Noble Truth of the Way, which is also the Noble Eightfold Path (Buddhist Studies 2008). The Noble Truths summarize the Buddha’s key teachings that “suffering is part of living, suffering can be ended and that there is a path that leads to the end of suffering”(Buddhist Studies 2008). The Noble Eightfold path is path to the end of suffering; it is the path to enlightenment. This path is not a linear path but rather a cycle. It begins with having the right understanding, which is followed by right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and finally right concentration. If one is able to follow this path they will be achieve nirvana, which is when “the mind becomes free, radiant and joyful” (Buddhist