Episode 120 - Right Mindfulness

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode we explore Right Mindfulness, one of the Noble Eightfold Path. In general, mindfulness means awareness, presence of mind, or attentiveness. What sets Right Mindfulness apart from secular mindfulness is that it is taught as a skill that supports the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Mindfulness in this context is part of the eightfold path that leads to the realization of the four noble truths and the end suffering. In Pali, the phrase referring to Buddhist mindfulness is</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">samma sati</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which translates as “wise mindfulness.”Mindfulness as a factor of concentration helps us stay on our objects of concentration and penetrate the wisdom of reality, emptiness.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mindfulness also helps us to notice and maintain our daily life intentions to be kind, compassionate, and avoid harming others. Mindfulness helps us notice when we stray from Right Speech, Right Action, or Right Livelihood. Wise mindfulness has these particular goals and therefore helps us progress along the spiritual path. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wisdom arises from [spiritual] practice; </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without practice it decays. </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Knowing this two-way path for gain and loss, </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conduct yourself so that wisdom grows. (282)</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">* </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">-</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Buddha</span><em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, The Dhammapada </span></em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>References and Links</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Buddha.</span><em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Dhammapada</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shamba