Mindfulness is Needed Under All Circumstances

There seem to be an assumption present among many Buddhist meditators that mindfulness (sati) is a mental-state that is relevant only to the practise of Vipassanā meditation and that when it comes to other kinds of meditation, especially Samatha meditation, it is not relevant at all, or, at best, it plays only a minor role. This assumption very likely stemmed from the emphasis in Vipassanā meditation on the development of mindfulness. And in fact Vipassanā meditation is very often simply called “mindfulness meditation”. Furthermore, in Samatha meditation, the emphasis is usually not on mindfulness but on the development of mental tranquillity, deep state of concentration, and – at times – even psychic abilities. This general emphasis of Vipassanā and Samatha meditation on different states of mind is probably responsible for why Vipassanā meditation is usually identified exclusively with mindfulness while Samatha meditation, with tranquillity and concentration. In truth, however, mindfulness is not exclusive to Vipassanā meditation, and neither are tranquillity and concentration exclusive to Samatha meditation.

Which is Your Refuge?

For one who is still wandering on in Saṃsāra, kamma is the reliable refuge. For one who is seeking to be released from Saṃsāra, Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā Dhamma is the one and only refuge. And for the Noble Ones who have seen the perils of Saṃsāra, Nibbāna is the only true, safe, and secure refuge.

Which is your refuge?

The Importance of Right View

“Bhikkhus, this is the forerunner, this is the precursor for the arising of the sun, namely dawn. And in just the same way, bhikkhus, this is the forerunner, this is the precursor for wholesome states, namely right view. For one who has right view, right thought occurs. For one with right thought, right speech occurs. For one with right speech, right action occurs. For one with right action, right livelihood occurs. For one with right livelihood, right effort occurs. For one with right effort, right mindfulness occurs. For one with right mindfulness, right concentration occurs. For one with right concentration, right knowledge occurs. For one with right knowledge, right liberation occurs.”

~ Aṅguttara-Nikāya, Book of the Tens, Sutta 121

Right view generally means view that is in accordance with the true nature of reality. It is view that does not contradict but conforms with the true nature of things as they really are, and with the natural order of our universe. When one has acquired right view, one understands things correctly as they actually are. One understands things in conformity with natural laws and, therefore, knows how to order one's life accordingly, enabling one to live one's life in harmony with nature. Living thus one is able to avoid much suffering and increase happiness in one's life. And according to the Buddha's teaching, if one can fully penetrate the relevant truth about the nature of our existential problem of suffering (i.e. the four Noble Truths), then one can even acquire the very clear vision and right view that will enable one to fully transcend all suffering.