Mindfulness
Almost certainly the oldest Buddhist practice, and one that permeates all Buddhist traditions, is the practice of Mindfulness. The Buddha himself stated that he knew of no other factor that had such capability to transform the mind. Western psychology has increasingly validated this opinion and forms of mindfulness practice are now authorised by NICE for the prevention of repetitive depressive episodes.
At its basic level mindfulness practice creates some inner space from the thoughts and emotions that tend to endlessly circle in our minds. From this standpoint of greater inner space it is then possible to get a better sense of proportion about our problems. This type of practice does not require any specifically Buddhist beliefs and we offer a series of classes at Jamyang that are pitched at this level of practice. Introductory classes and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses are both available.
Mindfulness meditation is often referred to as "Calm Abiding" or "Shamata" in Sanskrit. As an ancient technique it is practiced across various Eastern traditions. It is said to enable the practitioner to develop very deep states of restful awareness which are often described as blissful. The ability to rest for long periods on a particular contemplation is a key requirement for most meditation practices and so some form of Shamata sits at the heart of most meditation techniques. Here at Jamyang we specifically teach Shamata as part of our Monday night meditation programme.
The Buddhist analysis of Shamata is that while it may put you in a deep blissful state of peace it does not eradicate the causes that lead you back into a mundane viewpoint of the world. To do this you must couple your Shamata Practice with Vipassana (Vipashyana in Sanskrit). Vipassana is insight meditation. Insight into what? Insight into the nature of being, the nature of physical things and the nature of mental objects. Usually the meditator practices a combined form of Shamata/Vipassana that refines mindfulness and uses the deep still power of the mind to look at its very nature. In doing so the reality of the three marks of life are revealed; impermanence, selflessness and lack of satisfaction. Great peace comes from realising that ordinary existence, based on lack of knowledge of the true nature of things and events coupled with attachment and aversion, can never truly satisfy. There are many flavours of insight meditation based on mindfulness practice. In addition to our Monday classes Jamyang also hosts an Insight Meditation Practice Group.
