I have a Bachelor's in Religious Studies. 2 classes on Buddhism and eastern religions, 3 on Islam and Middle Eastern studies. There's a lot to take in unless you are just covering the general basics of a religion.
1Th 5:6 So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be mindful,
It's excellent. The first half is the Gospel written in the style of the Tao De Ching.
www.insightmeditationcenter.org
Hello @Akita Suggagaki, I think that Eastern "mindfulness" is closer to certain Christian concepts than Eastern "meditation" is (as the latter seems to be diametrically opposed to Christian meditation, for the most part anyway).
I found a couple of short, well-written, articles that may be of interest to you (and others), the first being an article from a Buddhist site describing the practice and its benefits, and the second from a Christian site and Christian perspective that cites a number of positive aspects about mindfulness, but also gives us excellent advice/reasoning on why it's a practice that Christians should steer clear of.
Here are links to the two articles.
Mindfulness Meditation as a Buddhist Practice – Insight Meditation Center
What is mindfulness? Should a Christian be involved in mindfulness? | GotQuestions.org
What is mindfulness? Should a Christian be involved in mindfulness? What is the origin of mindfulness?www.gotquestions.org
God bless you!!
--David
The foundational assumption behind mindfulness is that we can create our own peace through our own efforts. Mindfulness might contribute to reduced stress and an increased sense of well-being, but mindfulness will never achieve for us the satisfaction our souls crave. Only God can meet our deepest needs.
From a biblical perspective, we know that only Jesus gives the peace that can exist in all circumstances (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). No human can control emotions or thoughts on his or her own because we are born slaves to a sinful nature (Romans 6:17–23). Only through the power of the Holy Spirit, who sets our minds free to think truthfully, can we know true peace. If we want to practice being more aware or insightful, there are much better options than mindfulness techniques, such as Bible study, prayer, and worship of God. ~excerpted from the article above, What Is Mindfulness?, GotQuestions.org
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32
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Hello FireDragon76, perhaps you could give us a couple of examples to consider from the RCC or EOC, and from more traditional (rather then evangelical) conservative/orthodox* Protestant churches as well?
As I said above, while the differences between Eastern and Christian meditation could not be more profound, the differences between Buddhism's mindfulness and Christian vigilance is less so, at least on the surface. I believe that the differences are still there however, beginning with the basic teachings and focus of each discipline (dependance upon self on the one hand, and dependance upon God on the other).
Perhaps we could talk about all of the things that are similar between the two practices (and then all of the things that are different, as well), but I'm hoping that you could start us off by elaborating a bit on why you believe that reliance upon self/upon our own, human efforts (apart from God) does not stand in opposition to the idea of our reliance upon God and His grace instead? (at least in regard to the two OP title disciplines, that is)
Thanks
--David
This is true in the Buddhist context where there is not God. It is up to the individual. Although I think there is also the element of grace and intercession in some Buddhist spirituality. But we are also touching upon another important theme. And that is "empowerment". With God's grace we are called to act, and to do. Spiritual practices such as mindfulness or vigilance or sobriety and attention have their rightful place, How much can one progress on their own? I suppose it depends and their ability and perhaps unknown and unrecognized grace.
It seems to me that you are correct in noting that mindfulness tends to be seen as an end in itself, whereas watchfulness tends to be a means to an end (although one must cultivate the skill itself in order to reach the end). This means that Christian watchfulness tends to take on a form, unlike the formlessness of mindfulness. For example, one person might practice the skill of listening as an end in itself, and another person might practice the skill of listening to birds. Among other things, the first person will develop superior all-around hearing, whereas the second person will develop a superior ability to hear and recognize birds. This is at least one crucial difference between mindfulness and watchfulness.
So it is with the secular practice as well, yes?
Wouldn't "grace" and "intercession" require some sort of Being on the other end (so to speak) to dispense the needed grace and/or to intercede on behalf of the one who is praying?
I'm not sure how God's "grace" plays a role in the practice of mindfulness, but you are correct, His grace empowers (or perhaps better, enables) us to do things we would not or could not choose to do on our own. Perhaps a discussion on this WONDROUS topic would be best left for a different thread however?
It is true that there are things that need to be considered about this discipline, especially since it is becoming more and more popular within Christendom (with Christians who wish to embrace the benefits that it seems to offer them). Like anything that is purely "secular" and/or non-Christian "sacred" in nature however, I believe that great care must be taken by believers who investigate it (with the hope of eventually incorporating it into their walk by practicing it).
Hello again FireDragon, this would be true for Christians in general, would it not? Granted, I think that a believer needs to be careful when doing so (studying different faiths, that is), but I don't believe that we are ever "forbidden" to do so.
It seems to me that a discussion of no-self/annata, the five heaps (shandhas) and such would be a bit much for this thread, and certainly off-topic! Better to stay on-topic and avoid the inevitable thread-drift, yes
While I would truly welcome a discussion about God's "grace" (especially if we included some our EOC friends in the discussion), it seems nothing more than a distraction from a discussion about the practice of "mindfulness" (outside of the context that I broached it in a couple of posts back). Let's leave the goalposts right where they are for now (as best we can anyway
).).
Hello @Akita Suggagaki, I think that Eastern "mindfulness" is closer to certain Christian concepts than Eastern "meditation" is (as the latter seems to be diametrically opposed to Christian meditation, for the most part anyway).
I found a couple of short, well-written, articles that may be of interest to you (and others), the first being an article from a Buddhist site describing the practice and its benefits, and the second from a Christian site and Christian perspective that cites a number of positive aspects about mindfulness, but also gives us excellent advice/reasoning on why it's a practice that Christians should steer clear of.
Here are links to the two articles.
Mindfulness Meditation as a Buddhist Practice – Insight Meditation Center
What is mindfulness? Should a Christian be involved in mindfulness? | GotQuestions.org
What is mindfulness? Should a Christian be involved in mindfulness? What is the origin of mindfulness?www.gotquestions.org
God bless you!!
--David
The foundational assumption behind mindfulness is that we can create our own peace through our own efforts.
www.forbes.com
Yes, Christian watchfulness has a bit of a moral judgment. Be on watch for "the adversary" within. Buddhist mindfulness seems to be just observe and accept what is.
Yes, secular as well. I think in some Buddhism there is prayer to Buddha and Bodhisattvas.So it is with the secular practice as well, yes?
Wouldn't "grace" and "intercession" require some sort of Being on the other end (so to speak) to dispense the needed grace and/or to intercede on behalf of the one who is praying?
I'm not sure how God's "grace" plays a role in the practice of mindfulness, but you are correct, His grace empowers (or perhaps better, enables) us to do things we would not or could not choose to do on our own. Perhaps a discussion on this WONDROUS topic would be best left for a different thread however?
It is true that there are things that need to be considered about this discipline, especially since it is becoming more and more popular within Christendom (with Christians who wish to embrace the benefits that it seems to offer them). Like anything that is purely "secular" and/or non-Christian "sacred" in nature however, I believe that great care must be taken by believers who investigate it (with the hope of eventually incorporating it into their walk by practicing it).
This would, of course, be true of anything of a non-Christian religious and/or secular nature that we, as believers, choose to embrace in this life. Just look, for instance, at the great harm that has been done by Christianity's new, seemingly universal regard for the secular (rather than the Biblical) version/model of "forgiveness"
We are in a moment by moment spiritual battle with a very powerful host of fallen beings as enemies, whose main job seems to be to lead us a far away from God and the Truth as possible!
I'm reviewing Pray.com's articles on "Mindfulness" right now. If I find something worthy of comment, I'll come back and share it with you
--David
