#738 Mindfulness in Context

     "Mindfulness is the ‘heart’ of the Buddha’s teachings and is the core of, and namesake to, a class of intervention aimed at alleviating common forms of suffering—Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI’s; originally, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction [MBSR]; later Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy [MBCT]; and other related programmes). 

     Among Buddhist scholars and Western scientists, both separately and communally, there is a lack of agreement about the specific definition of mindfulness. However, a common basis of understanding exists among Buddhist scholars, although interpretations and descriptions of mindfulness range in emphasis. Some, for example, accentuate aspects of attention, whereas others more explicitly acknowledge the complex and dynamic interplay of numerous factors including the cognitive, emotional, social and ethical.

     Mindfulness within Western psychology is generally assumed to reflect the Buddhist construct. However, definitions of the term vary greatly from that of a simple therapeutic or experiential technique to a multi-faceted activity, which requires practice and refinement. Certainly, a more elaborated definition appears to have greater support from contemplative texts, modern explanations of consciousness, and the functioning of the nervous system.       
     When attempts are made to integrate its traditional roots with modern theories of consciousness and psychological function, mindfulness is also promoted in the West as part of a broad set of practices embedded in a transitional path away from ordinary modes of everyday functioning. It is within the context of this transitional path, which includes affective, behavioural, cognitive, ethical, social and other dimensions, that mindfulness is believed to contribute to the promotion of wellbeing and amelioration of suffering. Given this contextual complexity, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to separate mindfulness from the other components woven together into the fabric of this transitional path.

     Conventional scientific methods may not easily lend themselves to a refined exploration of mindfulness. As Christopher & Gilbert wrote, based on the writings of the Thai monk and teacher Buddhadasa Bhikkhu: ‘Western psychology mandates that constructs must be explicated and operationalized to be accurately assessed. However, most Buddhist traditions dictate that mindfulness cannot be easily extracted and analyzed in isolation from inherently interrelated concepts.’ If this is true, scientists need to embrace new approaches for studying mindfulness, and merely linear, additive models that sum putative markers related to mindfulness will not suffice. Thus, attempts to delineate discrete components of mindfulness are not likely capture the inherent interrelationships mentioned by Christopher & Gilbert, seen as synergistic and mutually reinforcing."

        Grossman P, Van Dam NT. “Mindfulness, by any other name: trials and tribulations of sati in western psychology and science.” Contemp Buddhism 2011; 12(1): 219–239. doi: 10.1080/14639947.2011.564841