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?