The Buddha described right or appropriate mindfulness. It consisted of the following qualities:
“And what, monks, is right mindfulness? Here, a monk dwells contemplating the body in the body, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world. He dwells contemplating feelings in feelings . . . contemplating mind in mind . . . contemplating phenomena in phenomena, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world. This is called right mindfulness.”
One dwells contemplating body in the body, feelings in feelings, mind in mind and phenomena in phenomena. One brings awareness to and experiences sensations as a sensation without selfing.
One is ardent or committed, passionate, curious and energized in the process.
What is critical is the element of clearly comprehending or clearly seeing that addresses the understanding of the essence of existence. Impermanence, dissatisfaction and not-self. The sense of self is an impermanent structure that is fabricated.
There is an initial sustained observation of the designated sense object in order to allow one to bring to mind the teachings of the Buddha. It allowed for discernment. Is what is present skillful or not and how does one respond in a skillful way? In understanding the impermanent nature of self there is no identification with it.
Mindful or the ability to have sustained awareness of the present moment to allow one to examine and learn from the present moment.
One wants to act to remove covetousness and displeasure ie. inhibit clinging. To eliminate the preferences of desire and aversion that is the segue to awakening.
Mindfulness is a lot more than awareness and being non-judgmental. Following awareness what is cultivated is a skillful relationship with the present moment and subsequent wholesome action guided by the discernment and resultant insight that reality and the sense of self are conditioned constructs that are fabricated. With this understanding there is no need to identify with the sense of self. One can move beyond the limiting constraints of one’s personal narrative that defines one’s sense of self and be present from mindful presence that is a spaciousness of innate compassion and wisdom.
by Dr. Phil Blustein
February 7, 2025