September Newsletter

What does mindfulness look like when its not part of the egoic consumer culture as was described in last month's newsletter? Surely, there is some intrinsic value for this essential teaching to have have persisted for over 2,500 years. But how exactly can mindfulness manifest in a way that engages with modern day issues instead of merely coping with their stresses? Is there an approach that addresses the roots of suffering within systems as well as on an interpersonal level? It is my understanding that there is such an approach and that this is just the medicine that is needed in our ailing society.

The necessary companion to mindfulness is clear comprehension (Pali: sampajanna). In the commentaries, clear comprehension delineates four aspects that bring in a context of wise understanding and interconnectedness. Without clearly comprehending these four things, we might be practicing a form of mindfulness but not "right mindfulness" as laid out in the noble eightfold path.

The first aspect of clear comprehension is that of purpose. More than just knowing what I am doing in the present moment, it is knowing why I am doing it. Does my intention take into consideration the interconnected nature of all things? As the Buddha instructed his own young son Rahula, one should consider before, during and after speaking and acting whether such conduct would lead to one's own affliction, to the affliction of others or to the affliction of both. In this way, mindfulness is not just about being in the present moment. It also acknowledges that our actions will make an impact on what is to come.

The second aspect of clear comprehension is called suitability. This means that I need to examine the means by which my purpose is being carried out. To use a mundane example, one does not use a hammer to tighten a screw. Similarly, if we intend to live a life of harmlessness, we need to examine the suitability of our everyday actions. Is it suitable to move through the world with a large carbon footprint when we know that the earth is literally burning? We may hold the ideal of non-harming (and defy the gross actions committed by others) while at the same time be throwing sticks into the fire by continuing a way of life that is complicit with systems that are extracting the Earth's limited resources.

The third aspect of clear comprehension is acknowledging that the domain of mindfulness is wherever we are. Spiritual practice is not just on the cushion or during certain segmented times of our life. Ideally, it should pervade everything at all times. It's no small thing to escape from systems of exploitation. We all participate in them to some extent because alternatives are few and far between. How can I bring wise attention to what is happening right here in all the processes that I participate in: what I choose to purchase, eat and wear, who I work for, my need for entertainment, etc...?

Finally, clear comprehension points us in the direction of non-delusion. This requires seeing when the mind is infected with greed, aversion and ignorance. It means admitting when clinging to our opinions prevents us from finding out a more complete picture. Due to the complexity of the systems that we find ourselves embedded in, we are often prevented from knowing the direct impact of our actions. This makes it all the more important to take an active role in increasing our awareness instead of ignoring facts for convenience sake.

In sum, living a life of true mindfulness requires the companion of clearly comprehending our predicament, both internally and externally, individually and collectively. It's not a duality of "either-or", but the coming together of "both- and". Finding this balance can be challenging but it is possible. As we take care of our deepest needs, we also take care of others. As we take care of others, we at the same time take care of ourselves.