Momentary Awareness
Written: May 02 '01 (Updated Aug 13 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Introduction to mindfulness training - useful in everyday live
Cons: Offers no historical background to the subject.
The Bottom Line: A simple introduction to mindfulness training from a Zen perspective.
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| akshobhyavajra's Full Review: Present Moment Wonderful Moment: Mindfulness Verse... |
Mindfulness is a classification of meditation practices, known as vipassana, or insight meditation. Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was rediscovered by Guatama Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal suffering which befalls humankind in the course of life
In the practice of mindfulness, one begins by utilizing one-pointed attention to cultivate calmness and stability. When thoughts or feelings come up in the mind, one does not ignore them or suppress them, nor does one analyze or judge their content. Rather, one simply notes any thoughts as they occur as best as possible and observe them intentionally but nonjudgmentally, moment by moment, as the events in the scope of awareness.
The noting of thoughts that come and go in the mind can lead to feeling less caught up in them and help give a deeper perspective on one's reaction to everyday stress and pressures. By observing thoughts and emotions as if one had taken a step back from them, one can observe clearly what is actually in the mind. One can see thoughts arise and recede one after another. One can note the content of the thoughts, the feelings associated with them, and the reactions to them. One might become aware of agendas, attachments, likes and dislikes, and inaccuracies in your ideas. One can gain insight into drives, how one perceives the world -- insight into both fears and aspirations.
The key to mindfulness is not so much what one chooses to focus on but the quality of the awareness that one brings to each moment. It is very important that it be nonjudgmental--more of a silent witnessing and dispassionate observing than a running commentary on one's inner experience. Observing without judging, moment by moment, helps one see what is in the mind without editing or censoring it, without intellectualizing it or getting lost in one's own incessant thinking.
Regardless of one's belief system mindfulness training is useful in daily life. If practiced correctly it can make a person more focused, more aware of one's actions and surroundings, and give a realization that no task is meaningless if approached with mental discipline.
Thich Nhat Hanh's book is neither technical nor doctrinal in nature. Hence, it provides at best a rudimentary background to the Buddhist subject "mindfulness".
Rather the book gently reminds the reader what he/she is doing and settles the racing mind - thereby transforming apparent mundane tasks into the spiritual.
The poetic and practical verses can help one slow down and enjoy each moment of one's life more fully. There are verses for waking up to "24 brand new hours," answering the phone, starting the car and more. After each verse, Thich Nhat Hanh offers reflections with personal insights.
The book offers a philosophical and practical rather than a religious and technical approach to daily life.
Recommended:
Yes
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akshobhyavajra
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Location: Boca Raton, FL
Reviews written: 31
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~Carpe diem - vita brevis~
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