Explaning the difference between mindfulness and Buddhism?

Many of my clients and patients ask me this question.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfcd4oRHBKo

Buddhist meditation was designed not to make us happier, but to radically change our sense of self and perception of the world.

In terms of the modern mindfulness movement, the real difference is that Buddhist meditation happens in an overall context, the noble eightfold path, which gives the practice depth and meaning. Without such a context, mindfulness is still useful, but is more like a healthy mental exercise than a true spiritual path.

What is the Noble Eightfold Path simplified?

The Fourth Noble truth charts the method for attaining the end of suffering, known to Buddhists as the Noble Eightfold Path. The steps of the Noble Eightfold Path are Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

Mindfulness is, however, a specialty of Buddhism. Buddha himself referred to it as “the path to enlightenment.

Do all Buddhists do “mindfulness practice”?

Many Buddhists do specifically undertake practices meant to cultivate mindfulness. Others may not, but it’s fair to say that the lion’s share of Buddhist practices help produce in us a greater sense of awareness and connection to the people and world around us. The very name “Buddha,” after all, means “Awakened One.”

What are the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness?

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness, as taught by the historical Buddha and ever since, are key things that we should practice being mindful of. These are: our bodies, our feelings, our minds themselves, and phenomena / the world around us. By training in mindfulness of these four foundations, we see, more and more, how all of these things really are, outside from our conceptual ideas of them. Training in the four foundations of mindfulness is training in seeing reality with more clarity and equanimity.

We suffer, according to Buddhism, not because there’s anything inherently wrong with us but simply because we misunderstand the nature of reality. Buddhist practice helps us come to terms with reality by cultivating our awareness of the “three characteristics of experience,” also known as “the three marks of existence.”

These are: impermanence, suffering, and insight—words that will likely be familiar to anyone who’s read about Buddhism more than a little. Contemplating them, can help liberate us from fear and suffering. Living mindfully and with concentration, we see a deeper reality and are able to witness impermanence without fear, anger, or despair.”

Dr. Celeste Fabrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.