Is Mindfulness based on Buddhist meditation compatible with Christianity?
In response to my recent post entitled: Help me out: What does self-love actually mean? Simian raised the subject of ‘Mindfulness‘ which draws from Buddhist meditative traditions and is increasingly employed within the NHS in psychological therapies.
Simian posed this question:
Is this incompatible with being a Christian? I don’t know the answer. I’d be interested to know what people think.
I’ve never practiced Mindfulness, but know from Twitter conversations that some folk absolutely swear by its effectiveness.
Mindfulness forms a core component within Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) developed by Marsha M. Linehan, and is used especially in regard to Personality Disorders, and specifically Borderline Personality Disorder. On an aside, Linehan stunned the psychiatric world last year by ‘coming out of the closet‘ and declaring that she herself was a Borderline Personality.
In briefly researching the Christian position, I obviously encountered the general – and quite prevalent – Christian anti-psychology articles and movement, and some that objected to the Buddhist origins of Mindfulness specifically.
However, I was delighted to discover a blog called the Musings of a Christian Psychologist and he covers this very subject in two blog posts that I heartily recommend. Here’s some of what he has to say:
Some might suggest that engaging in practices that encourage openness, neutrality (which is a misrepresentation of Buddhist practices) open oneself up to the occult. Others might be suspicious of hidden, subtle belief systems (personal transformation vs. Spirit-led transformation). These are legitimate questions. And yet I contend that we do not need to reject these concerns to acknowledge that God has given all humans the capacity to observe and grasp concepts that are true and right–even if we might staunchly disagree with their personal philosophies. This does not mean we take a concept into our life and practices without considerable critical thinking, but it does mean we are open to learning something that our own tradition has lost, ignored, or deemed unnecessary to healthy living.
Interestingly, I also came across a website looking specifically at Mindfulness within DBT and cites the Scriptural Correlations. Here’s the introductory paragraph:
There are, for some, a reluctance to involve themselves in DBT thinking it to be drawing them to Buddhism, etc. or away from their religion; from the Christian standpoint…this does not hold true; it may be viewed that God gives us the necessary knowledge (or light) that we need in any current situation to overcome difficult life scenarios-as troubles increase so will knowledge: Rom 11:33 “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”; 2Ch 1:12 “Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee”; 1Ti 2:4 “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” -in distressing situations, one might find it impossible to see the way to a healthy resolve; thus, God would want you to use any skills you might acquire to clear your mind and get yourself to a place where you can open that door to Him with clear thinking and calmness. DBT, while it does draw from Eastern meditative points of reflection, that is where the relationship ends. DBT in no way incorporates these Eastern/Buddhist meditative/reflective components to draw one to a certain religious path; rather, DBT merely uses some of the logic of those practices that, in proof via long-term evaluation conducted in careful studies, produces beneficial results in improving the quality of one’s life…and that is the mindset of the Christian, to improve the quality of the Christian way of life…and, DBT can help the Christian grow in faith in various ways.
As you can probably tell I’m in favour of Christians engaging with these practices, given that they’re reported to work and relieve suffering.
But Simian’s questions still stands; what do you think?
Ben Trovato:
July 18th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Interesting post and difficult questions! I think one needs to define one’s terms very carefully if one is to reach a conclusion on this.
On the one hand, mindfulness as a process of detachment and silencing the chatter of the mind, is, it seems to me, wholly consistent with Christian meditative traditions: being quiet with God. It is not surprising that this can have therapeutic as well as spiritual benefits (if indeed such a distinction is possible…)
On the other hand, some of the approaches to mindfulness that are propagated (and some of the underlying philosophies, explicit or implicit) may tend to lead one away from a Christocentric understanding of reality, and any such practices are clearly dangerous from a Christian point of view.
And then there is the possibility of recommending mindfulness (validated by the positive research outcomes) to non-Christians. That could either be a pre-evangelisation (opening them up to the understanding that there are ‘more things in heaven and in earth…’) or could risk sending them in the wrong direction, towards false philosophies or religions.
These are deep waters!
Caral:
July 18th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
I’m completely ignorant on Mindfulness, although even it’s title doesn’t lead me to jump to the conclusion that it is based on Buddhist meditation, which I believed was more about emptying mind, rather than focusing the mind.
Meditation is traditionally a Christian practice, heck even the evangelicals have to admit that King David was doing it, back in the day.
Unfortunately in the West, for a long time meditation (which is the doorway to contemplation) was left to the Mystics. But praise be to God, the Church has actively encouraged Lectio Divina (Read, Meditate, Pray, Contemplate).
To me, what is of greatest import, is the subject matter of our focus and attention. As we read in Phil 4:8 where St Paul rightly exhorts us…
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Is Buddhist Mindfulness Compatible With Christianity? | Catholic Bandita:
July 18th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
[...] Stuart asks: Is Mindfulness based on Buddhist meditation compatible with Christianity? [...]
Carrie:
July 18th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
How can it be considered un-Christian to notice one’s thoughts, what those thoughts are etc? As Christians, don’t we seek to protect against satan’s influence. Mindfulness allows this – identifying the thoughts in one’s mind etc. Satan is less likely to be able to take root if one is more aware of one’s thoughts.
In addition, mindfulness in DBT is based on christian contemplative practice as well as non-religious parts of zen thinking. Dr Marsha Linehan, a Christian.
Finally, mindfulness is not about leaving one’s mind open or emptying it. A very common misconception.
I am a Christian and use mindfulness in my DBT practice. It has literally helped save my physical life and health. I cannot see how, logical ideas surrounding being aware of thoughts, being present in the moment instead of unnecessarily worrying for example can be said to conflict with my beliefs.
Richard B:
July 18th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Good post Stuart and thanks for your stimulating question Simian, as well as interesting responses. Rather than respond from my experiences I’d like to dig into this some more, evaluate and get back in due course.
Goy:
July 18th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Apologies for coming at this from a different angle, mindfulness or IMHO what is Buddhist single-mindedness is a psychological, political and cultural shift in the West and in all probability is NOT compatible with Christianity.
I concur with Ben Trovato’s comment (top).
Carrie:
July 18th, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Hi Goy
The thing is though, mindfulness is not about singlemindedness nor ‘religious’ in its use in psychological therapies.
In what ways do you think it is compatible? You assert it is without providing any reasoned explanation.
Goy:
July 18th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@Carrie,
I think Ben Trovato’s comment touches on the Christian/religious implications better than I could ever do.
To take such techniques out of there spiritual foundation in this case Hinduism/Buddhism then transplant without foundation creates a psychological void that could be open to corruption and exploitation.
Indeed as a psychological technique “mindfulness” would not be unfamiliar to some practitioners of war.
Simian:
July 22nd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Thanks for posting this Stuart. As you know I can’t drop by as often I used to as I’m up to my eyeballs in essays etc. Just submitted one, and another next week. Groan….
I think in this, as in many other apparently ‘alien’ ideas, there is bound to be concern and even opposition. But whilst ‘Mindfulness’ owes its origins to Buddhist meditation, it is completely divorced from the spiritual side of Buddhism.
The reason why it being used increasingly in the NHS is that it really appears to help; for example, in the case on MBCT (Mindfulness based cognitive therapy), studies have shown that it is very effective in reducing the chance of relapse in sufferers of severe depression who have previously experienced several relapses.
Ben – I agree your first two paragraphs, but I think the latter two may misunderstand Mindfulness. If I may declare my hand, having thought some more about it, I cannot see any reason to think of this as leading one away from a Christocentric understanding of reality. Indeed, were the Church to embrace it, I could see this being amenable to very fruitful and valuable integration into a Christian approach to therapy, and even promoting a reduced dependency on the drugs on which so many of us now rely.
I’d be interested to know if the Christian Church has a formal view on this, and if so what that might be. I know that historically there has been an uneasiness with psychotherapy, but that is largely based on ideas going back to the likes of Freud and Jung – whose ideas, whilst historically interesting, and providing a key first step in the secular exploration of the mind – are very much superceded by more recent approaches to ‘talking therapies’.
Goy – I fear you have gone off at a tangent that ends up having little to do with this therapeutic approach.
Goy:
July 23rd, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@Simian,
Obviously I beg to differ it maybe the digging technique thats therapeutic but ultimately ‘Mindfulness’ in a foxhole would be a difficult adversary to dislodge.
Patricia:
July 24th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
‘Mindfulness meditation’ is not exclusive to Buddhism. It is a central aspect of Sufism referred to as ‘remembrance’. It is also practised in Christianity, known as ‘Centering Prayer’. Cynthia Bourgeault gives an excellent description of centering prayer on YouTube as does Thomas Keating.
Simian:
July 24th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
That’s really interesting Patricia. I must look that up. Thanks!
Ben Trovato:
July 24th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Centering Prayer, as Mindfulness, needs careful definition. Some approaches to it may be compatible with Christianity, but some are so rooted in their origins in Hinduism (via Transcendental Meditation) that they are incompatible with Christian belief.
This problematic approach, according to Father John D. Dreher, ‘is neither Christian nor prayer. It is essentially a form of self-hypnosis which makes use of a “mantra,” a word repeated over and over, concentrating on one thing and introducing a hypnotic-like state. God is seen as a part of the universe who can be “experienced” at the centre of one’s being, and not as one who is transcendent, who is other than us, and is a loving Father. It takes these characteristics from Hinduism, through the medium of Transcendental Meditation (T.M.). The introductory ceremony to T.M. involves worship of a dead Hindu guru, and the mantras given those being initiated are, in fact, the names of Hindu gods.’
Goy:
July 25th, 2012 at 2:37 am
Out of context mush ‘meditation’, polluted waters and the muddled thinking of shroomery christians seeking nirvana.
Simian:
July 25th, 2012 at 10:43 am
Hmm.. Ben – My first reaction to your post was to think it displayed a ‘not invented here, and therefore alien, and therefore unacceptable’ reaction, which I couldn’t relate to. But I’m looking at this through a secular prism. I guess that in matters of religion that is an entirely valid point of view.
I must admit to surprise though. I always thought of intense prolonged prayer as a form of mindful meditation, in order to gain an insight into God’s plan for us, and I thought that, whether they acknowledge it or not, that is really what a lot of conscientious Christians did. perhaps I need to think some more on this.
Ben Trovato:
July 25th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Simian
I am not sure that we disagree that much.
For me the distinction is between meditation centred on the self (or some imaginary deity) and meditation centred on the God of Christian Revelation.
The process may be very similar, but the ends and the results are very different.
Christianity has a long track record of importing from other religions and cultures: but always with a care to strip away anything that is contrary to Christianity (reasonably enough, I think). My concern is that in some instances, that has not happened with the importation of this particular approach.
Richard B:
July 25th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
VG debate here and, having had an occasional to and fro with Simian, am glad to have watched and waited. (Reader’s indulgence is craved for the personal bits.)
Yes Ben, your concern is indeed well-founded.
I checked Patricia’s lady on YouTube (Wisdom Way of Knowing) and found every part of the interview rang ALL alarm bells! This lady’s ‘take’ on Jesus reveals she wholeheartedly accepts new-age doctrine; and gnosticism. So, is not orthodox in her Christianity, which makes ‘Episcopalian’ handle on her website a dubious distinction.
As that is what ‘centering prayer’ is all about then clearly it is incompatible with Christian belief.
I’ve been down, and swallowed hook, line and sinker everything of that mystical wisdom path she advocates; ie. ALL the false teaching about Jesus Christ, plus deep personal experience of nirvana, ‘seeing’ the deception behind it and being blessed by rescue from death by Jesus in person. And now this supposed ‘priest’ blithely conveys all the baloney again – sorry Patricia but ugh!
In referring to the lack of understanding of Jesus by His contemporaries, this lady not only likens Him to an Eastern ‘ascended master’ but also fails to state who/what was the first to acknowledge AND thus have to submit to Jesus’ authority from the outset of His ministry – the demonic host!(Mark 1:23-28) . This was well before the disciples understood who He really is. John the beloved was well acquainted with Jesus and explained it thus: ‘The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done]’. (1John3:8 Amplified Bible)
Please Simian, I don’t wish to be offensive but it’s my responsibility before the Lord to give a warning, believer in Jesus or not, and ask that you mark my words well: this really is not in your best personal interests.
Goy , be assured you haven’t gone off tangent as Simian supposes!
Your remarks about ‘spiritual foundation’ are correct. Few realise a supra-natural power source of something does not simply disappear but carries over into what it has authority over. Eg. I wasn’t a freemason but had come under a leader who’d even resigned from FM. But upon my receiving prayer ministry a man with Holy Spirit’s anointing perceived this and broke FM’s power – I was extremely surprised to see a very irate grey ‘shade’ get turfed out! And with that came a personal revelation that enabled me to understand all this better.
Christians are well-advised, therefore, to chew upon and follow the whole of holy scripture. Paul’s instructions on the mind are helpful because he spells out the difference between worldly intelligence of the ‘once-born’ and Spirit-led revelatory wisdom freely available to the ‘twice-born’. Imho, we are blessed to be ‘mindful’ of how 1Cor 2:6-16 and 2 Cor10:4-5 with Rom 11:33-12:2 provide a solid ‘practicum’.
Hope our contributions may go some way toward answering your query Simian.
PS. interesting to read Latin again (the ‘Sanctus…’ on Ben’s blog, thanks).
Simian:
July 25th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Thanks for that Richard B. Always a thoughtful response. I am a little puzzled though as to exactly what it is that is ‘not in my best personal interests’. Perhaps you could explain.
I’m also wondering if the objection is to the concept or to the detail. I can see why importing deities etc. along with a neutral idea might ring alrm bells, and it seems from what you say that this lady has got herself into a right muddle over this.
Thinking more broadly, given that ‘Mindfulness’ is one of the approaches now in common use within the NHS for treating depression, would that mean that Christians should have nothing to do with that – or any psychotherapeutic interventions come to that? After all, the origins of a lot of the approaches used are certainly not Christian.
These are open questions. I have no particular axe to grind (I think…). I’m just fascinated by religion – always have been, even though I’m not relgious.
Richard B:
July 26th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Thanks for your compliments Simian and my reply is on ‘last shall be first’ basis. So will save the ‘best’ (interest) bit for last!
First your fascination! That’s probably because we’re created as spiritual beings but muddle it up with every sort of religious stuff, and issues thereof. Hence my distinguishing between ordinary ‘once born’ mortals and ‘twice born’ saved souls who have the God-given right to become ‘sons of God’ – but not a lot are there yet!
Your, ‘would that mean Christians should have nothing to do with that…?’: Not at all, but simply be wise and careful. Our ‘way’ is to keep to one’s personal relationship with Jesus, and adherence to the plumbline of scripture, central.
Is ‘the objection to the concept or the detail?’ Both, as regards so-called ‘centred prayer’ and non-Christianity!
Everything that was said in the video brought a flood of repugnant memories but with gratitude I’d been rescued from that life! Before that happened, everything was ‘hunky-dory and absolutely right whilst in that camp and, thereby, blind to the truth. Never did I have even the faintest suspicion of this ‘darkness’ until Jesus set me free.
So to spell it out clearly – I’d strongly advise you to heed the voice of experience for your best interest and avoid any sort of interest in that wayward path.
Nothing the video discussed, and by inference all attendant suppositions, can bear comparison with the revelation and reality of the Almighty God and His Living Word. This definite opinion can only come from a deep familiarity with both sides of the subject.
Now the best bit:
First, note my wording that you queried dropped into mind rather than my referring to ‘deception’, ‘error’ or ‘heresy’ etc. Little did I suspect this small change was going to involve serendipity (happy coincidence)!
This morning I thought you need to know that heavenly Father has an unquenchable love for you personally. Next, I had a quick quiet time going back over those scripture I’d quoted above. I use a NKJV study bible but then the notion dropped into mind to compare with their version in The Message. It struck me that this contemporary rendering may be a good style for you to read.
Only minutes later did I check emails and found notification of your reply querying my comment to ‘your best personal interests’. I was awe-struck because that’s what I’d only just read about in The Message’s rendering of the opening to Romans 12, viz:
‘So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.’
Notice the references to ‘best’ and how this indicates a better way? That is, something that truly is in your best interest! And, taken together with those other passages, they all relate directly to your questions about Christian ‘mindfulness’.
So why not dig into The Message? (Eugene Peterson’s paraphrasing of the Bible.) Incidentall, if you’re intrigued by ‘Godincidences’ then you may like this > http://richards-watch.org/tag/god-incidents/ (Will omit my opinion of the NHS, but which may be gleaned from my blog.)
Simian:
July 27th, 2012 at 6:46 am
Thanks Richard B. A lot to think about there.
Carrie:
July 29th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
This has gone way off track and sensationalises mindfulness as religious and dangerous.
This is not the case. Mindfulness in psychological therapies is not about religion/spirituality.
I suggest people take a proper look at what mindfulness in a secular context of psychological therapies is. No more scare-mongering from ignorance please.
I am a Christian but mindfulness (not Zen buddhism) has helped in saving my physical life.
Malinda Alsop:
July 29th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know I am God.” When I engage in mindfulness this is what I am doing. It allows God to provide healing, guidance and peace in order for me to serve Him the way He wants me to.
Ben Trovato:
July 29th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Carrie
I disagree.
I think I have been careful at every stage to highlight that we need to be careful precisely what we are talking about, and that there are different things encompassed by the label ‘mindfulness’, some of which are beneficial and others may have problems for those who are Christian. That strikes me as reasonable and measured (and true), not sensationalising and scare-mongering.
It is true that some have then gone on to look at some of the problematic aspects, but nobody, I think, has claimed that all uses of this approach in a secular therapeutic context are ‘religious and dangerous.’
I wonder if perhaps you had not read the whole thread to reach that conclusion?
Caral:
July 29th, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Hi Ben,
I disagree that ‘Mindfulness’ encompasses many different things, and may cause problems for Christians. From a layman perspective it may conjure up all sorts. Yet MBCT is an excellent clinical therapy, endorsed by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) and is/will be only problematic for Christians who do not understand exactly what it is. It has a staggering success rate for people, whom the psychiatric profession previously regarded as untreatable.
Simian:
July 29th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Carrie. Please don’t include me in that broad statement. As an atheist psychotherapy student I agree with you completely about the total lack of spiritualism and religious influence within mindfulness as practised by Western therapists.
But this kind of thing is bound to cause alarm amongst many believers, and I think that’s understandable. This is perhaps partly due to the prevalence of misconceptions about this, and perhaps some reliance on very partial information.
There is also perhaps a concern that secular psychology potentially competes with organised religion in some respects. My view, and my hope, is that Christians would benefit form embracing this purely secular therapeutic approach rather than reject it out of hand. But I am aware I have a totally different starting point with this, and I do not seek to undermine people’s belief. I think there is room for alternative points of view. What I would like to encourage though is opinion forming based on fact rather than unsubstantiated ideas.
Ben – I think perhaps we have a different understanding of mindfulness as a secular therapeutic approach. Having thought about it some more I am struggling to think of any real objections that Christians might have to this as a therapy. I’ll think some more on this.
shaun lambert:
July 29th, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Mindfulness is a universal human capacity, we have a mindful brain. It can be accessed in many different ways, what have been called Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs). The main influence in Western psychological Mindfulness-based and Mindfulness-incorporating therapies have been Buddhist MAPs.
However, an artist can learn to be mindful through art, a poet can learn to be mindful through poetry. Attention and awareness which are key elements of mindfulness are capacities within every brain.
Christians need to engage with mindfulness intelligently and with respect, as a lot of evidence-based research supports its efficacy. MAPs need to be distinguished from psychological theory in which they become embedded. The psychological theories need to be looked at as well.
There is a lot of uninformed thinking about mindfulness and its MAPs, or meditative practices. One of the urban myths is that you are trying to empty your mind. All the research I have read says it is impossible to empty your mind, although you can still it.
Mindfulness is a biblical word and there are Christian distinctives as well as overlaps when compared to secular versions of mindfulness.
The MAPs that have been imported into therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are entirely reality-focused, although they have Buddhist roots. That means, as we all have the same brains that they work the same way whoever you are. Reality-focused means attending to your breath, or scanning your body, or the way your body walks, or how you eat a raisin. It is the theory they are embedded in that need to be examined carefully and discerningly. But that is true of any therapy. It is true that Buddhist psychology is becoming more mainstream in a number of therapies.
Theologically all truth is God’s truth and can be discovered by anyone, whether Christian or not. This can be explored in more depth in http://shaunlambert.co.uk/a-book-of-sparks/
Ben Trovato:
July 29th, 2012 at 11:35 pm
I feel as though I am being pushed into a position I do not in fact occupy. I have no problems with – and indeed am enthusiastic about – mindfulness approaches that are in widespread use in a secular context (MBCT for example). I have seen some of the research about their efficacy, and have no doubt that they can be very beneficial – indeed I have blogged to that effect. (http://ccfather.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/mindfulness.html)
However, there are people out there, also branding their approach as ‘Mindfulness’ who are including specifically religious aspects drawn from Eastern religions, or using it in contexts that promote a philosophy that is at odds with Christian thinking. That is rather different – but is also described as mindfulness. It is that which I (and others) have concerns about from a Christian perspective.
Richard Barker:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Carrie, regret to have to say your remarks about being ‘way off track’ and ignorant scaremongering are a tad misplaced.
If you mean my previous two comments, the first is pertinent for two simple reasons: – 1 this post’s title refers to Buddhism, does it not? – 2. that comment addressed Simian’s question and responded to his second remark. My second comment answered his response and gave a concrete example of how the Lord may be directly encouraging him, a unbeliever. In view of where discussion had already got to, it would have been highly irresponsible for me (per Rom 15:14) to have ignored misguided ‘Christian’ opinion on this matter.
Furthermore, I wrote from many years in-depth experience not only in Christian prayer ministry but also as a qualified secular counsellor. On checking out your ref to Dr Lineham I read an interesting Time-CNN overview of her work. Her practice of ‘mindfulness’ appears not far removed from Christian ministry for deep trauma suffered during fragmentation of personality, along with the need for introducing life skills. This way, of course, has the extra great benefit of the direct involvement of the Wonderful Counsellor and His Holy Spirit – and He can even go ‘back in time’ to repair the deep inner damage.
That a secular, albeit incomplete even though successful, version of this is publicly available is surely to be welcomed.
Therefore, Shaun’s comment and blog items upon ‘mindFulness’ make sound contributions to this discussion. I’m interested in its connection to the scriptural ‘practicum’ I mentioned, as well as to Bro Lawrence’s classic, ‘Practising the Presence of God’.
Imho, we cannot divorce anything completely from God’s oversight. For someone to accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and saviour they needs remember, ‘If He’s not Lord of ALL, He’s not Lord at all’! (And ‘all’ means everything.)
Emily Kelly:
September 7th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Mindfullness is Buddhist Meditation. Christian Meditation has a quest to get closer to God. I don’t see how that’s ok.
Simian:
September 7th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
I think you are misinformed Emily. I have been a student on a mindfulness course and studied it as part of my psychology degree. I can assure you there is nothing remotely religious about mindfulness in this context. The only connection with Buddhism is the Buddhist practice from which the technique was originally adapted.
Richard Barker:
September 10th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Emily – I’d be interested in what specifics, additional to this discussion’s thread, support your first point.
Simian – pls could you briefly elaborate upon exactly what the connection is with Buddhist practice. I may have missed it but has anyone yet put their finger on it?
You never know, some common ground may appear ? !
Simian:
September 10th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Richard – It’s quite hard to be brief and to avoid being misunderstood. There are plenty of sources on the internet and I would suggest having a look at one or more of them. However, here’s an attempt at describing the Buddhist origin of Mindfulness. In itself it can be a purely secular activity, and does not require belief in a deity or in the spiritual.
The Buddha’s teaching suggests that people keep themselves locked in
‘palaces’ where they feel safe and secure: trying to get the things they
desire and to protect themselves from the things they fear. But there are times when the ways in which they distract themselves fail and they
perceive the reality of life: that it involves suffering and that it ends. For
the Buddha this recognition was a call to live differently, in a way which
engaged directly with suffering rather than attempting to avoid it. The
Buddha’s essential teachings are often called ‘the four noble truths’,
which might give the idea that they are statements to be believed, but it can be more useful to think of them as courses of action to take.
The ‘four noble truths’ as actions
1 Attend to suffering.
2 Understand its roots in craving.
3 Let go of craving, and thus end suffering.
4 Cultivate the path (that is, keep doing 1–3 and they will become
more effortless).
It is a simple to understand but very difficult to really master.
Richard Barker:
September 11th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Many thanks Simian for reminding me of that teaching, with which I was familiar long, long ago. (Incidentally, not forgotten your comments re my testimony and plan to re-publish the follow-up material asap on blog.)
shaun lambert:
September 14th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Mindfulness as practiced for example in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has two elements: a definition of mindfulness as paying attention differently and more wisely -which is a universal human capacity; and then mindful awareness practices (MAPs) or forms of meditation that help bring about the experience of mindfulness. These MAPs originate in Buddhist Insight Meditation from the Theravada tradition, and are entirely reality-focused, neutral and hence accessible to all. However, some other therapies do incorporate Buddhist psychology as well. MBCT has its own well-developed cognitive psychological model and theory which is secular. MBCT has heavyweight backing from the Mental Health Foundation and is also recommended by the National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Richard Barker:
September 18th, 2012 at 10:41 am
Thank you for your reply and previous contribution Shaun.
I’d also read your Baptist Times articles and may have missed this point, so really appreciate this clarification on MAPs. Your explanation would appear to support my reservations but I look forward to setting aside a chunk of time asap to investigate further.