The Deeper Meaning of Mindfulness
(Page 3 of 3)
Utne Reader January / February 2007
Thubten Chodron Shambhala Sun
By being mindful of the opposites of the four
distortions-impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, unattractiveness, and
selflessness-we clearly see the problems the four distortions
cause, and a powerful wish to be free from them emerges. This is
renunciation.
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This kind of mindfulness gives us the courage and ability to
oppose our habitual, self-centered ways. Looking around, we see
that all other beings are just like us in wanting happiness and
wishing to be free of suffering, and thus arises the altruistic
intention to work for their benefit. Being mindful of the benefits
of cherishing others opens our hearts to genuine love and
compassion. Our deep interconnection with others gives rise to the
intention to eliminate all obscurations from our minds and to
develop our capabilities limitlessly so that we can best benefit
them. That is how mindfulness leads to liberation.
Thubten Chodron is an American-born Tibetan nun and abbess
of Sravasti Abbey, a Buddhist monastic community near Spokane,
Washington. Her most recent book is Cultivating a
Compassionate Heart (Snow Lion, 2006). Reprinted from the
Buddhist magazine Shambhala Sun (Sept. 2006).
Subscriptions: $17.95/yr. (6 issues) from Box 3377, Champlain, NY
12919; www.shambhalasun.com.
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