It seems very American the current popularity of “mindfulness” – it’s just so practical for the practically minded. To engage in this mindfulness, there’s no need to study any spirituality and it’s all secular. Which is too bad – in a way, because it seems like you’d miss out on enriching learning experience. It’s so secular self-help – even like a medical treatment or a therapy… where doctors/psychologists, therapists are starting to use the technique devoid of the belief system with any religious association. Classes are offered at hospitals and fitness centers and … Thanks to Jon Kabot-Zinn, MD, in his clinic, popularizing it for stress-management and other hosts of desires. It’s like praying because praying is a form of meditation but WITHOUT God to pray to now – praying because it just feels better and your grey matter is enhanced. What is the message?
From my perspective and background, it’s perplexing without the temple and the alter and the whole “system” to direct the prayers to if you believe but… if it works in making people feel better, and if it’s made more accessible to more people, I hold no judgement. It’s good. As an observation from someone caught in East/West cultures though, it just seems very American or Western to use the techniques for results. Meditation over Medication? It’s all good if it serves. I wonder what would Buddha think… guess of course he’s okay with it, lol:)After all, we are all, each of us, Buddha, right? It’s hard to cut off the practice from spirituality to make it only intellectual though – spirituality gives meaning.
Personally, for me, yoga and meditation practice, if done with yogic breath is an ultimate practice of mindfulness without the zazen where your legs will develop varicose veins…lol …really. Luckily over here, there appears to be no monks in black/white robes who will hit (just tap) you with a stick when it’s obvious that your mind has drifted:) Mindful not mindless – Vibrant & Alive, living radically in the Present… impressions are vivid; Pain and ensuing suffering (optional), not numbed or avoided but really FELT. Jet lag? Will have to seek out Mikiko-san again:) SOS.