Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness

This book synthesizes the findings of scientific research studies, which have increased significantly during the last three decades, into the attributes, correlates, and applications of meditation and mindfulness. It addresses the operational issues that have arisen as a result of the rapidity at which these practices have been taken out of their traditional Buddhist setting and assimilated by Western psychological disciplines. The book explores concerns about whether or not the spiritual essence of meditation-particularly mindfulness meditation-has remained intact in its§clinically oriented Westernized form. Indeed, as the book explains, successive Western models of mindfulness have invariably failed to consider the cooperating or mechanistic role of other Buddhist spiritual-practice agents as well as the fact that, rather than a tool for treating psychological and/or somatic illness, mindfulness was traditionally practiced to facilitate a realization of a person's full human potential and capacity for unconditional well-being. Related to this, the volume also examines operational issues concerning the inappropriate and/or inaccurate use in the scientific literature of meditation-related Buddhist terminology and principles. This book establishes robust foundations for the ongoing integration of meditation and mindfulness into Western psychological and scientific domains by addressing these issues and by outlining a structured system for the effective interpretation and§delineation of Buddhist meditative principles as part of a unified operational approach. It is essential reading for clinical psychologists, specialists in complementary and alternative medicine, social workers, and professionals, researchers, and graduate students in allied medical and mental health disciplines.