Mindfulness

Mindfulness is one of our 51 mental formations. When it comes to mindfulness, we often talk about right mindfulness. Mindfulness is the energy that is able to perceive what is happening within ourselves and around us. We tend to forget the present, always running to the future. But we forget that the future is made of the present moment’s material, the present life, the present work. It is our habit not to dwell in the present, and it is a long-term habit; it is called karma. So if you want to change your long-term habits – your karma- you should do it right now.

When the energy of mindfulness is present, it will fill our bodies and minds. We can come into contact with the mysteries of life that nourish and heal us. We can also recognize, embrace, and transform suffering as it occurs in us. Mindful energy is generated by awareness in everyday activities such as: breathing, walking, standing, lying down, sitting, eating, and working; not only during sitting meditation. This energy can be present in us while driving, cooking, washing clothes, washing dishes, talking, etc.

In the book A rose for your pocket, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh stated: “This evening, when you return from school or work or, if you live far away, the next time you visit your mother, you may wish to go into her room and, with a calm and silent smile, sit down beside her. Without saying anything, make her stop working. Then, look at her for a long time, look at her deeply. Do this in order to see her, to realize that she is there, she is alive, beside you. Take her hand and ask her one short question to capture her attention, “Mother, do you know something?” She will be a little surprised and will probably smile when she asks you, “What, dear?” Keep looking into her eyes, smiling serenely, and say, “Do you know that I love you?” Ask this question without waiting for an answer. Even if you are thirty or forty years old, or older, ask her as the child of your mother. You and your mother will be happy, conscious of living in eternal love. Then tomorrow, when she leaves you, you will have no regrets.” Only the energy of mindfulness can truly bring us back to our mother, to sit with her and always be there by her side. Only with mindfulness can we enjoy the loving and embracing energy of our mother, whether she is still alive or not.

Phap Tuyen