Vinaire's Blog

Please see The 12 Aspects of Mindfulness.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is attentiveness. Mindfulness brings clarity to what one perceives. The basic approach is:

Observe things as they are, with full awareness of one’s assumptions.

When you look at the profile of a stranger you see only one ear, but you assume another ear because “all man have two ears.” The chances are slim but this stranger may have only one ear. Most people make such assumptions automatically, but some are aware.

Those who are aware of their assumptions are mindful.

When there are doubts and perplexities, one should look at them closely with mindfulness. In other words, one should consider them non-judgmentally without assuming anything. All ideas, beliefs, assumptions, viewpoints, and feelings related to observed anomaly, are subject to critical examination.

No past ideas and learning in the area of doubt and perplexity are sacrosanct (meaning so “sacred” that you cannot question them).

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The 12 Aspects of Mindfulness
(with Exercises)

The discipline of mindfulness is manifested in the following ways.

1. Observe without Desires
2. Observe without Assuming
3. Observe what is Missing
4. Observe the Incomprehensible
5. Observe all Senses
6. Let the Mind Un-stack
7. Experience Fully
8. Do not suppress
9. Associate Data freely
10. Observe beyond Name and Form
11. Contemplate thoughtfully
12. Let it be effortless

Mindfulness is fundamental to all scientific observations, meditation, prayers, and all forms of spiritual practice.

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The Law of Non-Interference

When contemplating deeply and meditating, one does not avoid, resist, suppress or deny any thoughts, emotions, and sensations. In short, one does not interfere with the activities of the mind.

CAUTION: Things may go dangerously awry when one anxiously digs into the mind for answers.

The Law of Non-interference lets the mind unwind safely during deep thinking, prayer and meditation.

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The 3 Factors of Mindfulness

The Discipline of Mindfulness warns you against digging into the mind. It lets the mind unwind and settle down naturally.

Creativity grows out of the natural activity of the mind as it perceives situations objectively.

The following factors are fundamental to the discipline of mindfulness.

1.    ATTENTION—Let attention be totally free. Fully discern where the attention goes naturally. This forms the ground of mindfulness.

2.    FREE ASSOCIATION—Let all associations occur freely in the mind. Fully discern the associations without influencing them.

3.    UNIVERSALITY—Let the viewpoint expand freely without fixation. Fully discern all observations in a universal context.

Once the discipline of mindfulness is established discernment occurs in leaps and bounds.

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