Mindfulness

At every level of the spiritual path of Buddhism, the practice of contemplating the Four Foundations of Mindfulness is recommended for everyone, no matter at what point one is on the spiritual path.

Moreover, that which needs to be abandoned are the flaws of the four objects of focus of the mind - the body, feelings, mind and phenomena whereas mindfulness and all the virtues are qualities that need to be cultivated. An exalted knower who abides on the path and engages in the wisdom of mindfulness, applies the so-called foundations of mindfulness.

The four foundations include:

A. Foundation of mindfulness of the body B. Foundation of mindfulness of feelings C. Foundation of mindfulness of the mind D. Foundation of mindfulness of phenomena

The foundation of mindfulness of the body has two parts: foundation of mindfulness of the breath and foundation of mindfulness of the body.

The foundation of mindfulness of body involves the practitioner bringing their attention to focus on their breathing and bodily sensations. This meditation helps us to understand that the body is not solid and unified, rather it is a collection of parts. On reflection, we do not see the body as my body or myself, but as a physical form that like other physical forms, exists for a period of time and eventually ceases. It arises, remains present and passes away.

The foundation of mindfulness of feeling allows us to notice the feelings we experience, be they pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. This meditation helps us to develop a non-judgmental awareness of what we are feeling. We begin to see particular feelings as one of many that arise, remain present and pass away.

The foundation of mindfulness of mind involves the practitioner focusing on the mind itself rather than on an external object. In this meditation we observe the mind and come to see how our consciousness arises momentarily. We begin to see how the mind alone does not exist, rather there are only particular states of mind that arise, remain present and pass away.

The foundation of mindfulness of phenomena.

Having understood that all virtuous phenomena and wholesome qualities are that which needs to be adopted and that all afflictions and so forth that give rise to suffering are that which needs to be abandoned, one needs to meditate by focusing on the antidotes to whatever there is to be abandoned.

From the Sutra requested by Noble Crown Jewel:

Remain in the state of mindfulness which focusses on phenomena and cultivate the Dharma with which to achieve enlightenment.                                                                                           

Abandon any phenomena that are not in accordance with enlightenment and do not fall into an eternalistic view by accomplishing virtuous phenomena.                                                   

Moreover, to abandon non-virtues, you will not fall into a nihilistic view, because phenomena that are neither nullified nor eternal are the middle way of the bodhisattvas which is free from nihilism and eternalism.

Article author: Tracey Bryson

Martsang Lam Rim Student

Source: Martsang Lam Rim written by His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche.