Mindfulness for Beginners

Have you heard of "mindfulness" but don't know what it is or why it's important? We'll discuss all that in this video.
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✅ Some good intro books on mindfulness:
Bhante Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English amzn.to/30m7Nvn
Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness amzn.to/308ZOGP
Joseph Goldstein, Mindfulness amzn.to/2mC8OgY
✅ A more scholarly treatment of the original sutta on mindfulness:
Anālayo, Satipaṭṭhāna amzn.to/2DCty05
✅ The original sutta on mindfulness meditation (The Four Foundations of Mindfulness): suttacentral.net/mn10/en/sujato
✅ My playlist on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness: • The Four Foundations o...
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#onlinedharmainstitute #buddhism #earlybuddhism #secularbuddhism
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[@DougsDharma]

If you'd like to learn more about early Buddhism from a contemporary perspective, check out these courses for a deeper dive into the dharma: onlinedharma.org !

[@joelfry4982]

Doug, I remember what you said about right intentions and skillful speech, and I want to be careful here about employing both. So I have some questions. The Buddha said that we must see that something is true before we accept it as true. I see that arhats attain nirvana during their lifetimes on earth, but I do not see that they are omniscient, as is taught in religious Buddhism. I cannot see that the cycle of death and rebirth is without beginning. I don't even think that's a logical belief. I don't see that the Hell Realm is a rightful karmic payback for bad deeds on earth. I know there are monks who say they remember being in the Hell Realm, but could those memories be conjured during deep meditation after inculcation? Secular Buddhism doesn't work for me because if the Buddha taught something willfully that he knew to be false he lied. I have false memories, so the memories of previous lives doesn't impress me. If arhats are omniscient why don't they invent new medical technology to save lives?

[@DougsDharma]

Yes Joel, omniscience in the sense of "knowing all that is true" is something the Buddha denied. He was only "omniscient" in the early texts in that he knew all that was necessary for the spiritual life and awakening. As to the Buddha speaking falsehoods: as you note, to lie we must say things we know to be false, and I don't believe the Buddha ever did such a thing. Like Socrates, Aristotle, Newton, indeed all great and wise thinkers in history, he said things he believed true which we now know not to be so. That's fine, we can learn from his correct intuitions and leave the other material to one side if it does not interest us.

[@joelfry4982]

@@DougsDharma Thank you. That clears up a lot.

[@sachinsilas5722]

Dear Dough I am facing problem that my eyes become watery in stressful situation like heated arguments or public speaking I feel like I am about to cry.however there is nothing to cry about...how to control this ? What is this problem? Need some serious help

[@timothycorrey2154]

Doug's Dharma 🙏

[@clairebradbury11]

I honestly think it's one of the hardest things I've ever tried. It seems so simple, yet my mind wanders off and starts having conversations without my even noticing it's doing it!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Claire it's very human and normal for this to happen. I've been struggling with mindfulness for 3 years. One thing I do know now is mind states from my meditation and how crafty and amazing the human mind is.

[@DougsDharma]

That's absolutely true Claire. Part of the secret is to relax and just watch the mind wandering. When it wanders, just calmly bring it back to the focus. This is the practice as much as anything is.

[@janglestick]

having a similar experience, and describing it to monks visiting from tibetan mahayana tradition, I discovered I was mixing some practices. Sometimes it's appropriate to acknowledge a break, perhaps even write down information that might be coming through, in the beginning there are moments where you really need to do this because your sense of self has been blocking you from seeing things. You step out of your own way for a moment, and some information about what has been blocking you on a deeper level comes through. Sometimes it's something important about the external world you need to address to allow the internal world to streamline. Additionally I used to do things like, take a moment to acknowledge and even thank my body/mind for the break, and then respectfully explain and guide it back to the task as you would a child. In some contexts this approach shouldn't be dismissed. However -- what I learned is that in this practice it's essentially 'wrong'. Bring the mind back to the task as directly as possible. You are the 'master' in your own internal realm, and strangely there is no real need to honor or even acknowledge the other parts of self, during practice. You bring it back with what starts to feel like a 'snap', which is odd because at the same time it's completely continuous. To be honest it's pleasurable on an odd level. It is described by some as "sharpening the sword". Don't take a moment, don't think of the break itself for a thought more than you have to to recognize it and bring it back. The muscle of re-attention starts to respond almost on it's own; it can be a little startling at first. You are directing your mind in a way which, if it was applied eg to someone you were talking to, would be rather dismissive to say the least. This makes the practice slightly different than moving meditation or meditation upon a progressive task, which of course requires some more openness to the senses and a changing world. On a subtle level they are the same, because even the internal environment is changing slightly. Something about your vibe and your pic suggests to me that you might enjoy moving meditation more at first, to help the sharpening. I've known a few people who for some reason were just not compatible at that moment with the more stringent aspects of mindfulness, usually the aspects that are considered particular to vipassana. They went on two week retreats and didn't have the best time. As far as I know, there is no requirement to solely persist down the route that leads to vipassana if that isn't currently working out for you. There is moving meditation and many types of samatha and anapanasati and mahasatipattana, if you really feel like you can't stop giving yourself a hard time over it (which it doesn't sound like youre in that space, though.) Perhaps giving in to your 'preferences', as much as they are constructed by the mind and world, might be the way to go for a while, to allow for sharpening of the sword. There are practices which allow one to stabilize on inner plateaus which are slightly more pleasurable, albeit usefully 'discarded' at later stages when not needed. I hope I haven't muddied the waters; clearly this explanation is as much for my own benefit as for others. Much love and things in the clear light for all.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks janglestick. Yes, I think listening to what works is a skillful way to proceed. If Vipassana isn't working, or if sitting isn't working, try something else like walking meditation. On the other hand though (there are always complexities!) it can also be beneficial to try things that we *aren't* good at, because sometimes that's the way we can make real progress.

[@janglestick]

@@westsidesmitty1 Thanks Doug and Smitty, for certain that is mostly advice for me and stuff I had to encounter. The sitting / stillness certainly does have it's own vitality and uniqueness, and getting used to allowing a larger space between thoughts, as the 'mental muscle' calms down on different levels, leading to less frequency of thought, will benefit all the practices. Thanks Claire sorry for barging in.

[@zerothehero123]

I'm not the first to say this, but meditation has changed my life! I only wish I started living kindness meditation earlier instead of only zazen. Seeing those changes happen in real life in myself really fortified the idea that I can train my mind and take control of who I am and what I want to be! Thanks buddhas!

[@DougsDharma]

Yes indeed zerothehero123!

[@junejune9619]

This is so inspiring to hear

[@uliuli8997]

The past is the past. But here you are NOW. Great job to embrace Mindfulness. Congrats.

[@user-qg3tr3vx3y]

Ironically this video makes me think of the hardest year I've just had and how I can approach it differently

[@DougsDharma]

Well, that sounds like a good result!

[@user-rg9ii5pq6h]

Thank you so much for this video, Doug. I love to write and my ear was snagged by your use of the word 'story' in this video.... thinking of meditation as a kind of ceasing of mental 'storying' of the past moments or imagined future moments was a real lightbulb moment for me! For one, it's made me realise why my mind is so tired - I feel like I am constantly 'storying' my past or my future. What a great insight that is. Now I feel like I have a way in to mindfulness for the first time. Much appreciated.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome! Yes we are carried away by stories ...

[@lblakney4375]

Living in the present seems to be a simple process but as you explained so much information available on the internet and just getting caught up on regrets from the past and not knowing where to actually go in planning for the future has me ignoring the present. Thank you for starting me on this journey of being consistent in living in the present

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it's a more wholesome way to live, I think.

[@mendyviola]

This is the only way I can get back to sleep after waking around 2-3am. I just have to take a mental note to deal with my “to do” list the next day and simply focus on breathing and the comfort of my bed. It’s not easy.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, some people find doing a body scan meditation is helpful for relaxation as well.

[@Nomad1025]

Or keep a notepad and pen next to the bed. Before sleep, jot down all the to-do’s that you think of. Now you dont have to try to remember them or worry about them, they’ll be there tomorrow. And if you wake up and something comes to mind, it’s easy to make a note and add it to the “later” file. Then sleep can happen without so many distractions.

[@authenticworldacademy]

Hi Doug, love the channel. I'm a practicing Buddhist of 20 years and also a fellow KZbinr. I love practicing and talking about mindfulness. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome, great to have you here and thanks for your comment! 😀🙏

[@timmarshall4881]

Thank you. I’ve found your channel which is good. Love and peace. Tim

[@roshansharma7940]

i am so much distracted at this moment of my life that i had watch your video 3 times to understand mindfulness.. my mind is wandering off so much that i can feel it...

[@DougsDharma]

You can do it Roshan! 😀

[@myajones8081]

You’re not alone. It happens to us all; experienced meditators and those who are new to the practice. We are all beginners. 🙏🏼

[@JordanMMancini]

Start small my friend. 2-5 minutes of mindfulness breathing, every morning, I recommend tying it to a habit you already have ingrained (e.g. I will meditate after brushing my teeth). Find a quiet area away from bright lights and distractions, assume a comfortable seated position with your back straight, start with a couple very deep breaths pausing momentarily at the climax of your inhale, and then proceed for the remaining time breathing regularly, not controlling your breath in any way other than perhaps breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth- non-exaggerated, no breathing. And with every exhale throughout the length of the exhale, in your mind, say the word "one." This is a very basic mindfulness breathing meditation that I have shared with many people. Your thoughts? Will wander, and that's okay! Acknowledge that thought, accept what has happened, forgive yourself and bring yourself back to focusing on your breath! Only with practice will you get better at this, and if you've never practiced, then have a little compassion for yourself because it is not as simple and easy as people may believe. If you can manage to start this healthy habit, you can practice longer meditation sessions and even learn different meditation techniques. The more we practice mindfulness meditation, the more we will be able to be mindful in our day-to-day lives.

[@patrickacolifloresvillasen1731]

Thank you, Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure!

[@whitetrashtrucker908]

I've been using mindfulness to recover from severe OCD... its had Enormous effects on my mental health.... after a little over a year of constant practice... its like im literally in a different reality...... but its that im in reality. I will give my 2cents here... forget practice at least in the long term.. formal practice to get started can be beneficial... just make a choice to start living in the present.... whenevr u notice urself getting lost in thought..bring yourself back to the present .. eventually you will just be living parallel to all of your thoughts all of the time.... this will seem very strange at first... then all of your thoughts will fade away... and u will be present.... its no longer a practice... its the way u are.... although ppl want to make it seem enlightenment is like this near impossible journey... its really not... if i can do it having a debilitating mental health disorder anyone can.. however if ur not suffering greatly u may not see the need to put in the work. As u may be content where you are. Id add that longterm mindfulness practice and living in the present moment can be a horrifying journey at times... if u have been lost deeply in the mind.... losing that sense of self and facing reality as is... can be disturbing.... you will be way more aware of what goijg on around you all the time.. largely you will see that may be negative... this has been my greatest struggle... seeing the world we live in ... is truly insane... i think this is what leads to compassion and kindness... because... thinking is really an escape and an addiction.. a way to get thr hell out of relaity and dream of a better moment... that often leads to anxiety, depression and loss of focus... and regardless of what is in the present moment.. its your life... good or bad.. be there... besides if its a bad moment... it shall soon pass.... Best of luck everyone

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for your input here WTT. I think if one is in a really bad place it may be best to get professional help from a therapist or psychologist too.

[@whitetrashtrucker908]

@@DougsDharma i agree doug.. unfortunately from my experience anyway.. the mental health system is pretty much a con job...... mindfulness fortunately is starting to take off in the mental health care system.... it goes under the name Acceptance and commitment therapy..... years and years these quack Drs are pushing pills, talking therapy and even electo shock therapy.. with littel to no results when compared to placebo.... now that ppl respond to mindfulness... the mental health system will label it their own therapy and not admit a 2500 year old practice is FAR more effective than anything these "mental health professionals" have came up with..... also when i talked to manh therapist.. and talked about my experience with mindfulness... they themselves often really could not tell the difference between themselves and their thoughts.... so ppl give therapy and THEY dont even know the working of their OWN mind.... did i mention reality is insane 😆.. love this channel btw..... i started learning about buddism far after i started practicing mindfulness.... very interesting philosophy..

[@whitetrashtrucker908]

@Alessandro yeah but whst the goal... u can practice mindfulness ur whole life ot dedicate 6 months or a year.. for me almost 2 years to enlightenment and then ur done.... its your natural state anyway.. Running is an action... thinking is an action.. so being mindful is not a doing its a lack of doing.. all thats happening when ur mindful is giving ur mind a rest.... u give ur mind a rest long enough and ur mind will drop into total silence....... then ur not practicing ur just enlightened.... i could talk to u more about my experience... its a very surreal one... where you your whole experience of life changes... but its not a nee experience.. just literally a waking up to reallity after however long...

[@whitetrashtrucker908]

@Alessandro im telling you its not a big deal to reach enlightenment and i would not say im enlightened but im on the oath for sure... my mind is not completely silent yet.. but im deeply in the present to where its not a practice anymore nor has it been for a long time. The way i learned meditation is through acceptance and self realization.. both these philosophies set the stage for a high level of daily practice.... Rather than coming back to the breath learn to accept your life as it is right now without judgment.... just be with what is now.. including whatever thoughts or feelings u.... u will see how as you go through your dailu life ur mind will constantly draw u back into thought through worry or memory. Let those thoughts be there and remain present... its that simple... over time.. in my experience.. u deepen.. ur mind begins to change and u sink into the moment.... Im gonna link the teacher who really helped me spiritually.... he wrote a book called Journey into now.... u can buy on Amazon.... but mosr of the content of the book is found on his youtube channel.... For me personally... i just like i did when i was much yiungwr.... the word is full of pain and suffering as buddab taught.. as we come into our adult lives and see the ugly reality for ourself.. many of us retreat into our mind.... all were doing is learning to accept life unconditional down to this very moment... I have a mental illness and work with ppl witj severe OCD... honestly this os my onlu.chocie... because all mu thoughts r negative so no use.thinkkng about any of them.. perhaps i had to wake up

[@EclecticWizard6]

Loving your videos very clear and approachable

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to hear it Chron Jeremy, thanks for the comment!

[@AnattaAnattata]

May all beings be happy. 🙏🙏🙏

[@jacque8236]

Thanks for this!

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure Jacque!

[@meditationJD]

This is a good video for mindfulness for beginners. There are some great tips here.

[@DougsDharma]

Glad you enjoyed it. 🙏

[@hibomohamed7710]

Thank you! Your talk on mindfulness is helpful this morning.

[@DougsDharma]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickacolifloresvillasen1731]

This is the best explanation of mindfulness. Thank you, Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome!

[@chriskaplan6109]

Such a foundational and practical lecture...i seem to return to this video every so often when my mindfulness needa a refresher. ❤

[@DougsDharma]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ohmyumbrella]

listening to this video feels like therapy

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@uliuli8997]

The Here...The Now. Apreciation....Greatfulness...Gratitude. Great basic blocks to start. 📿🙏

[@DougsDharma]

Wonderful Uli, thanks for your comment! 🙏🙂

[@namename-kq8wt]

Another awesome video, Doug! It's fascinating (and a little scary) to realise how little control we have over our thoughts. One thing that's been interesting to me in my studies of late is how recent a phenomenon within daily Buddhist practice mindfulness is. I'm reading Erik Braun's book, The Birth Of Insight, and it's really interesting to note that mindfulness meditation, something that I and no doubt many others considered to be a core practice of Buddhism - its very foundation, even - only entered the mainstream of Buddhism so to speak over the last 100 years. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on that - why, if we're to believe mindfulness is a core part of early Buddhism and early Buddhist doctrine (detailed within the Satipatthana Sutta, embedded within the 8 fold path etc) has it taken so long to become a key part of the practice? And whether it had once, within early Buddhism, a more central focus, which over time just got lost. Thanks as always for what you do on this channel :)

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Karma Wayne. I'll be having a video out very soon on this topic. But in general I'd not say that mindfulness is new, it's rather that vipassana or insight meditation is relatively new. Mindfulness itself goes back to the beginning (it is part of the Eightfold Path after all), though it has also developed in various ways over the centuries.

[@ganexa2284]

Great video, short enough but still with a good in depht into mindfulness

[@DougsDharma]

Glad you liked it!

[@AKSHUNAK]

Thanks Mr. Spielberg!

[@DougsDharma]

😄

[@__jake.m]

One of the best things I tried to implement to stay in the present moment is monotasking. I love just doing one thing at a time.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes! Sometimes hard to do nowadays, but very important!

[@johng1289]

Good stuff!

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks John!

[@oksanakulkovets5692]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Oksana! 🙏

[@kunalgulati3358]

Great explanation 🙂 thanks 👍

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure, Kunal! 🙏

[@user-rf1sb1bh1z]

Thank you so much for including us and showing us all these amazing tips and tricks about mindfulness. I really need it.

[@user-rf1sb1bh1z]

I get distracted really easily and I get stressed a lot and a lot of anxiety in this I think will really help me. Thank you so much I hope to learn more from you.

[@DougsDharma]

Happy to help! 🙏

[@drwebercoaching]

Hi there fantastic video, I wished to thank you nice one

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for the visit drweber!

[@jmandurr1]

Consider starting a podcast on Spotify. I’ve been looking for teachings to listen to as I sleep, and I can’t find any. I love the way you explain things but I have a hard time keeping KZbin pulled up during that. Just food for thought!

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Cowabummer! I actually do release the videos in audio-only (podcast) format over on my Patreon page for those interested: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma . I’ve also debated doing a separate podcast, but it would have to be somewhat different from what I’m doing already. We’ll see ... 🙂

[@ThinkPositiveDude]

'The past is beyond us, it's already over and there's nothing we can do to change the past. The future isn't here yet, so there's nothing we can do right now for the future' my God that's a powerful statement.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏

[@DrPatrickKingsep]

Hi, I like your video and sharing of mindfulness information - it's such a useful daily practice, isn't it? Increasing awareness and presence. Thankyou!

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, it definitely is!

[@sjferguson]

You speak of this as if it's the easiest thing in the world 😂 It's actually quite hard for me. My yoga instructor calls it "monkey mind" bouncing around making mischief 😂 For me. It's been one of the more challenging aspects of my practice but every day i wake up and keep trying to wrangle the monkey mind 🙂

[@DougsDharma]

It's simple, but not easy. 😄

[@user-rf1sb1bh1z]

I also now use a mindfulness meditation, and it actually helps me sleep better

[@DougsDharma]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@Garrickk100]

Much appreciated sir

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure Garrick. 🙏

[@dinethnirmal7888]

Thank you so much

[@DougsDharma]

You're most welcome Dineth.

[@sonamtshering194]

A comprehensive introduction to mindfulness with pragmatic value

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks so much. Glad to hear.

[@aniazuralska8485]

Be fully present in how the things are right NOW, you cant change past nor future. Reducing impulsivness With calm comes clarity

[@darkfoxstories9541]

Thanks for this knowledge im troubling now it answers my question

[@natarajgreen]

Be present in the present. NICE.

[@DougsDharma]

That's right Nataraja, thanks. 🙏

[@jfgrivard2]

Secular Buddhism is an interesting concept. As a total novice learning the basics of Buddhism I find interesting that The Power of Now book from Eckart Tolle appears to have drawn some of the concepts of Buddhism. After learning some of the basics of The Power of Now, I apply the mantras as I breathe, it helps me fall asleep when my mind is too active after waking up in the middle of the night. As I breathe in I think and visualize the words in their written form: "Accept What Is" and when I breathe out I think and visualize: "Let Go" and then many time I wake up 2h later (adding 2h of sleep is great when you need the sleep). The reason this works is that my mind becomes busy thinking about Accept What Is and Let Go rather than the other thoughts that were keeping me up, and also the mantras are very calming. I could also try applying this when concentrating on my breath during meditation.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, these can be good practices, and indeed Tolle has to my knowledge drawn a lot from Buddhism.

[@infinitemeproductions714]

Blessings to you all. The practice of mindfulness is the holistic process of becoming self aware in the current state of your physical, mental and spiritual existence. Our self mastery stems from the knowledge that our minds are very powerful and that it is constantly shaping our realities and the manner in which we engage in the world as we perceive it. Like the masterful captain of a ship at sea, we must navigate our way through the never-ending waves of our own thoughts and feelings, being able to discern those that have been artificially produced and unconsciously suppressed while accessing the inner compass of our greater selves as a guiding North Star. To be mindful is to also engage with intent in order to deliver meaning to our actions, to become one with our true nature to access the divine force so that we may manifest from true inspiration. Being mindful is to be in the here and now, where no past exists and no future need be concerned, the actively conscious form of surrendering. Carry no judgements, ill-will nor machinations of ever-morphing thoughts, as the practice of mindfulness is to reconnect us with those greater aspects of ourselves where kindness and compassion thrives. Wishing everyone a transformative journey . . . kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXu8knare7uJgJI

[@KBJayPL]

I like your videos. Have a great day :)

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks KBJay!

[@user-up9mo2kx7h]

1st time I saw ur vdo & when I saw ur vdo i was really surprised bcz of ur precious explanations,It really helps me a lot ! Thn I subscribed ur channel and add me a new member in ur youtube family.Watching ur vdo from Bangladesh.Pray for me! May Allah bless u.Thanks !

[@DougsDharma]

All the best!

[@nagodio]

My thoughts are so well disclosed and hidden that it goes rite along with my mantra when doing TM and breath when doing anapana .

[@joannephilbert7793]

Disclosed AND hidden 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@nagodio]

@@joannephilbert7793 i figured TM out . Also learned krya yoga and Vipassana courses .

[@nagodio]

This one year I went to a tm course and Learned it also went to a 10 vipassana course and also learned kriya yoga,. Thanks for the reply

[@cisofus]

Thank you sir explaining such a simple way. I am a Christian but I find Buddhist practice is helpful in my daily life and in the end I end up with following Christ anyway.

[@DougsDharma]

That's fine James, whatever works for you!

[@jaakizamazin]

A Thai Forest monk described to me sati as like remembering. Remembering the breath. The present moment, impermanence, etc Also there's sati sanpajanya. Mindfulness with wisdom. Can you explore that?

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that's an important way to understand mindfulness. In a sense any discussion of mindfulness for insight will be discussing sati sampajañña.

[@OriginalJimmy5star]

I dont see the texts list you have mentioned. Very good video.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Jim! The texts are in the description box below the video. If you're on desktop click "show more". I think on mobile there is a small triangle you have to click, but I'm not 100% sure.

[@aliciagriffin3416]

I was living in the past but I need to move on and letting go of haunting memories

[@DougsDharma]

🙏

[@user-tu3wf2bu5k]

Im from Thailand practice mindfulness everyday . And the body too.that in daily life It is a wonderful thing to know so many incredible things in the mind..Best of all, to do more Vipassana.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, very true! Thanks so much. 🙏

[@bellosenzatrucco1252]

I appreciate your efforts, plus I have learnt the word equanimous:)

[@DougsDharma]

It's a good word to know! 🙂

[@ninjazkoolboyholk1714]

Ya..I agree..automatic impulses.. Mindfulness is not easy at all..

[@DougsDharma]

Exactly. It may be simple, but it's not easy.

[@1Chongs]

Mindfulness is a powerful tool being in the now (aka current moment of time) and when used this mindfulness technique we don't have anxiety nor depression nor anger nor other negative emotions/feelings.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it can be a real help to many of us. Thanks Steve.

[@1Chongs]

@@DougsDharma Your very upmost welcome Doug.

[@jordixy]

Hi Doug! Recently I discovered that sati is the Sanskrit word for mindfulness. I thought that samatha meant mindfulness. I understand the differences between samatha and vipassana but, what about sati and samatha? Thank you so much!

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Jorge, these are actually Pāli words rather than Sanskrit. Mindfulness is a suite of practices basically aimed at opening the mind towards what is happening right now. Samatha is calming, which is a different though related practice of settling the mind down so it can focus better.

[@yorkinwanya2066]

In previous you mention that one of our greatest cravings is that of identity/identification. Do you think this craving is encouraged by the "attention economy"? In recent months, I noticed commercials for many things being geared towards that subtle message: "By yourself... ... ... ... by buying at our store."

[@DougsDharma]

Oh for sure, identity/identification is one classic way marketers work.

[@amc903]

i do not do sitting meditations anymore and I have talked to to her that do not wither. just try and remember to be mindful. be aware of your emotions that stem from your feelings. if you get mad for example fine, but pause, and do not allow those feelings to turn into yelling or come outwardly and turn into a ugly thing.

[@DougsDharma]

That's right A Mc. I'm not sure what you mean by your sitting meditations (autocorrect getting in the way?) but there are certainly many ways to approach practice and one doesn't need to do sitting meditation if it doesn't seem right.

[@WEBTEAM1000]

How important is having a solid foundation of knowledge of Buddhist philosophy for a beginner like me? I've buried myself under Wikipedia tabs and a backlog of books, and I'm afraid that if I don't consult as many sources as I can, my effort will be in vain.

[@DougsDharma]

It totally depends on your goal. If your goal is enlightenment, then Buddhist philosophy per se is probably unnecessary. What's important is practice. If your goal is understanding the dharma or teaching it or learning its history then the philosophy might be important.

[@sunset33533]

The mindfulness book "30 Days to Reduce Anxiety" by Harper Daniels is good. It has 30 exercises for meditation and mindfulness.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks GN!

[@mishao4458]

i love your videos but am confused on one thing: how do i physically meditate? would it be best to sit down and focus on the breath with a certain goal in mind to achieve in that session, or is it better to turn on a guided meditation specific to the emotions you are feeling? thank you

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Anya, it’s a good question, really either method is fine. (And there are other methods too). Do whatever you prefer first, and try varieties. I have an earlier video on meditation 101 that might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpnNdKWNfsSMp5Y

[@alberttharchin3473]

Hello man mediation doesn't mean to sit on corner and close our eyes . Meditation means to habitcation on something like positive thought like love ,compassion and analys.

[@vimalkirti4845]

- relaxation is key - if we are relaxed we can meditate anywhere

[@sushilpaikrao8151]

💙 Namo Buddhay 💙 Jay Bhim 💙

[@Peridot420]

I’ve heard about it, everyone I know keeps telling me I need to practice it, but every time I try to figure out how to start, no one will tell me. I’ve brought it up to my therapist before and she said she’d help me, but every time I bring something up she just says, “try mindfulness”, without telling me any way of working on it. I feel so stuck.

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Dotty, I did a video awhile back with more of the basics of mindfulness meditation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpnNdKWNfsSMp5Y . There's really nothing to it, it's very easy. Just sit down, close your eyes, and follow your breaths. That's the basics.

[@sandyclyburn5675]

where are the links for your recommended books?

[@DougsDharma]

They are in the information box below the video. Depending on whether you're on desktop or mobile you can get to the info box different ways. (Sometimes it's a small triangle you click, other times you expand a box that's below the video).

[@adityamehta8648]

Hey Doug. So I'm a confused beginner, and in desperate need of help. I'm very confused around the idea of spiritual bypassing (suppressing) in contrast to letting go of thoughts. Is there a different. Is letting go of thoughts spiritual bypassing, or is it just for feelings and emotions.

[@DougsDharma]

These are separate things. Spiritual bypassing is pretending the feeling or thought doesn’t exist, or reacting to it with aversion and pushing it away and also pretending it isn’t there. Letting go is something that happens with open awareness that the thought exists, and softening around it. I have an earlier video on spiritual bypassing that you might have seen. If not, do a search for it and see if it helps.

[@adityamehta8648]

​@@DougsDharma Thanks for replying, really appreciate it!!!! I saw your video on spiritual bypassing, but i was still confused, still am to an extend. I had an anger episode can you help me making a distinction if it was spiritual bypass or my good use of mindfulness. Last week my mother lashed out on me while having lunch, i observed my bodily sensations and my thought pattern, cause i was aware of my thought without judgement, i kept on letting go of my resentful thoughts. I left the table and went to my room. Throughout the day i kept having angry and resentful thoughts and i kept observing and letting go, but the next day however i lashed out on my mother, while still being able to watch my bodily sensations. Was my letting go thoughts creating a snowball effect. Is this spiritual bypassing. I have been meditating for the last 8 months and i have doubts if am practicing mindfulness incorrectly(Not while meditating but in daily life)

[@Roller_Ghoster]

I've struggled with mindfulness for 3 or more years now. Its seeing the thoughts as thoughts that's my problem. I've always been such a deep thinker and I find if I cant see my thoughts as mental events it messes up the rest of my practice including meditation.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes indeed Roller Ghoster, it's very hard to see thoughts 'just' as mental events rather than being caught up in them. I have trouble with that too ... which is part of the practice. Indeed, what's so important about mindfulness is that *everything* becomes part of the practice!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

@@DougsDharma thanks Doug. I find myself cutting short my meditation practices due to tiredness or the fact that I've bad concentration. But as you say it's all part of the practice and the here and now.

[@vimalkirti4845]

Let the thoughts flow freely - let them come and go - don't be attached to them

[@christophergan71]

It's mistranslared as mindfulness. The more accurate interpretation is introspection, it's about observing the thought process and refocus the mind to wholesome thoughts.

[@CreativeSoul101]

When should i set a schedule for mindful meditation? And for long time should i meditate exactly?

[@DougsDharma]

It doesn't really matter when you meditate, though if you have time in the morning it can help calm the day. And you should meditate for however long you can, the more the better. Start with a few minutes. Traditionally many laypeople will meditate for 20 minutes, half an hour, forty five minutes, again whatever works for you on a regular basis.

[@zentzu4003]

Something that I find very interesting is that language is just a means for humans to communicate with eachother, but it is very flawed. And yet when we talk to ourselves we use language. It begs the question, should we even talk to ourselves at all? For this reason I don't see what mindfulness has got to do with labelling anything. If anything you're trying to take your voice out of your head, surely?

[@DougsDharma]

Language is a way of labeling concepts. It can be helpful to bring awareness of the concepts we use by labeling them. But if you don’t find it useful in your practice, by all means leave it aside.

[@zentzu4003]

@@DougsDharma But a concept is a label itself, that's the point. Language is flawed.

[@ytp1210]

Is the goal to focus on the breadth? Once I am focused on meditating, should my mind be clear? Or what should I feel when I achieved zen?

[@DougsDharma]

The goal is to practice towards the elimination of greed, hatred, and ignorance, that is enlightenment. The technique is to focus on the breath so as to calm the mind. As to your question about clarity of mind, I have a video that goes into some of that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nImUYqB6nt2Cj80

[@adriangorseta8402]

@@DougsDharma just a quick question, shouldn't we focus in our practice to eliminate all things that we desire and are attached to, because that would warrant the elimination of those good feelings to which we are attached such as happiness, lust etc. (I am sorry, can't think of any, I don't see them as good vs bad)

[@johnsmith-pm1qe]

I find that there is tension when trying to return to the breath, my mind and body protest as though it wants my attention to be on the distracting object (pure bodily sensation, emotion ect) and NOT return to the breath. It's only once the sensation has ebbed away may i return to the breath and even still it's not an effort on my part, it's rather than the sensation clears like fog, and beneath it is the breath. Is this correct ? Another issue is the distinction between focusing on the breath vs returning to the breath. The former is akin to focusing on a point, rooting it there attempting to stop it removal which is what i think of when i hear 'focus on breath' the latter is an almost careless attitude, wherein it's almost as though i'm viewing a field of contents in my mind and alongside them is the breath which sometime grabs my attention, but otherwise there isn't any 'focusing' as the word 'focus' is traditionally understood. It feels like mind wandering where occasionally my breath, rather than objects of thought is the main focus. Put differently, the only form of meditation that feels intuitively right isn't what i would refer to as focusing per say but instead having both my breath and everything else in mind almost simultaneously, like i'm in a dome, with my breath in the center and all the other contents kind of drifting across it where i'm partially aware of both and rarely fully focused on either, it's kind of like my breath rises to the fore rather than me seeking it out to focus on it. There seems to be an apparent contradiction between 'sitting with the thought/sensation' and 'return to the breath once you've noticed a thought or sensation', because it raises the question of whether i remove my attention from the distracting thought/sensation and replace it on the breath or i let it pass after which is almost naturally finds itself on the breath.

[@DougsDharma]

The main point is to be mindful of what is going on, and it sounds like you are being very mindful of how your mind works when it's in meditation. The breath is only a tool to calm down the mind so it can perceive more distinctly.

[@JanetHadson-po2zr]

There are no contemporary Buddhist communities near me . Can I call myself Buddhist and practice outside a community?

[@DougsDharma]

Sure, I've done a video on how to become a Buddhist, it's pretty simple really: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnzCpIeZq5WXnZI . There are online sanghas as well, though it can be rewarding to attend one in person if it becomes available. I also have a video about practicing without a local meditation group: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6OofImBqLtln7c

[@attheranch4876]

Begins at 7:40!

[@user-nh2gh1cl9f]

Sir please guide I have doubt in my mind that in my practice Do I have to be only aware of the thoughts or do investigation of thoughts?

[@DougsDharma]

There is no simple answer to such questions, though I would suggest that for most people it’s better to start with investigation of thoughts, since it’s a bit easier.

[@mousumibezboraphukan5115]

Which video should I start with.kindly guide

[@DougsDharma]

If you're starting out, check out my "new to Buddhism" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL0akoU_OszRjpRP1nwugCGAJF15oPbBLv

[@vitorferreira7169]

Hello I just find out about you, I have a question , one thing brings me a lot of confusion, I know I am not suppose to judge my thoughts or attech to them, what about good thoughts, ever time a have one and a feel good about it I feel like iam not suppose to feel good because is just a tough. Please help

[@DougsDharma]

There is nothing wrong with recognizing that you are having skillful thoughts, and taking joy in that. The reason we don't want to make too much of the skillful thoughts though is that then we can grow attached to them, identify with them, and become disillusioned when (as happens naturally) unskillful thoughts arise instead. So we have to be open to both, though of course we want to promote the skillful. Part of how we promote the skillful is through taking joy in the skillful.

[@dusanbosnjakovic6588]

Great video. Doug, can the practice in Buddhism also include non meditation mindfulness? What I mean is that we can incorporate mindfulness into our every waking moment to give us that space and preemptively handle events that can otherwise cause us to react thoughtlessly.

[@DougsDharma]

Oh for sure Dusan! Mindfulness should ideally be a frame of mind you bring into everything you do.

[@dusanbosnjakovic6588]

@@DougsDharma thanks. Do you see a danger in it becoming escapism?

[@brandon637]

I think that’s the goal in many forms of Buddhism. That’s kinda what they teach at my sangha, it should transform our day to day.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, as Joel says it's a matter of being present. I'd say it's the opposite of escapism if done properly, it's being-with-it-all.

[@johnhaller7017]

Hi Dusan, it's almost like it;s a numbers game. The more you re establish your mind in the present moment, the more you will gradually feel the afterglow of mental purity, because mindfulness will displace everything else, at that moment. Gradually the afterglow will just be there more often, because you have established it as your base during meditation, over and over again. Maybe one morning, you will wake up from sleep and notice that, mindfulness and mental purity are already there.

[@klaudiaandrews4448]

Hey doug

[@DougsDharma]

👋

[@danschardein856]

Very hard to do I’m discovering. Just got very aggravated when an add interrupted this video! LOL Well I guess that’ why we practice.

[@DougsDharma]

We all have to start where we are, and even after many years of practice we will find ourselves getting aggravated as well with small things from time to time! It's the nature of the beast.

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

Actually...Actually going outside and trying to stop the dog from barking is handling the problem 'in the moment' .It's when we get frustrated about something we can not change, that practicing mindfulness is useful.( that's just my experience )

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, sometimes there's something we can do, but often there isn't. So it's also good to practice patience.

[@alinadiana1268]

Hello and thank you for the videos! When you refer to the mindfulness refrain do you mean it is like a chorus that repeats during that specific sutta? Or is it related to „refraining oneself”?

[@DougsDharma]

Ah sorry for the confusion, the refrain is the part of the sutta that repeats, as you say like a chorus. It's to remind us of the basic instructions we're to carry out during each step of the practice.

[@alinadiana1268]

@@DougsDharma thank you for the clarification, that was my thought too but I wanted to be sure.

[@gregorymoon]

disconnect from stress to begin with

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@briansalzano9771]

Doug, I know some secular people want to use the methodology of Buddhism without the metaphysics. But if there is no spiritual component to life, it seems like there is a quicker route to ending suffering or at least no incentive to become a virtuous being. I don't know you'd respond to this, but it seems strange for me to practice Buddhism and not have this idea dominating your thoughts as you undergo buddhist training. I'd like a response but don't expect one. Thanks for the videos.

[@DougsDharma]

Why do we need the certainty of future punishment in order not to do bad things? We shouldn't do them for the very reason that they are harmful to others, and they are harmful to our mind-streams in this very life. What matters is our life and practice here and now. Let the future take care of itself.

[@rocco2181]

Mindfull vs concentration practice?

[@DougsDharma]

One of my first videos was on that distinction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIeVmpx7qdmUr7s

[@ajitdudani6544]

Can I get written text of the video?

[@DougsDharma]

I don't have written texts available unfortunately. Some of my patrons over on Patreon can get more detailed show notes, but those are still only notes.

[@mythicmars4848]

Hope this can help with my a.d.d.

[@DougsDharma]

Me too! Let us know how it goes MM. 🙏

[@Fremdscham-uu3xv]

Hope it copes with my maladaptive daydreaming

[@DougsDharma]

It may take time! 🙂

[@Fremdscham-uu3xv]

@@DougsDharma Holy shoot, it works. My maladaptive daydreaming is only messing up with my sleep instead of every area in my life. Thank you :D

[@h9comps943]

@@Fremdscham-uu3xv hey did you reduce your daydreaming? I am suffering from it I have heard mindfulness helps

[@marissavillafane3914]

I think it funny having a mom that a psychiatrist she doesn't even have mindfulness and defend 2 children out of 4

[@marleyjane1878]

I need a thesaurus just to listen to you….

[@DougsDharma]

😄Sorry!

[@morningcoffee.4562]

I had to watch the video all over again because I was distracted doing something else! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 get it?, just kidding!

[@DougsDharma]

😆Join the club! 😆

[@Chebab-Chebab]

1. I'm forced to do this at school. 2. The enforcers aren't mindful.

[@DougsDharma]

Oy that’s not good to hear. While I think meditation can do a lot of good in school to calm people down and aid focus, it has to be taught properly by people who themselves are mindful and well trained.

[@Chebab-Chebab]

@@DougsDharma Mindful listening involves listening to understand. When I mention certain things, I'm shut down and ignored.

[@DougsDharma]

Sorry to hear it!

[@rosagz1429]

Ads are most annoying

[@macred]

Too much waffle

[@DougsDharma]

How so mac?

[@walidzouariSFI]

I do not know why people in videos talk too much before giving just little useful informations. 99% definitions and obvious facts, VS 1% useful practical tips. But audience time is precious, isn't it?

[@RajuMandhyan]

Doug, of all the long discourses I have heard and indulged in, over the decades, about mindfulness starting with the works of Ellen Langer until that SIYLI guy from Google, your little chat over here gave me an inview that my mind had been searching for all these years. Thank you! You might want to consider asking me what exactly that inview is:) Adios and Mabuhay!

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to hear it, Raju! And of course, happy to hear your thoughts! 🙏

[@roannadavis]

Thank you so much for this video, Doug. I love to write and my ear was snagged by your use of the word 'story' in this video.... thinking of meditation as a kind of ceasing of mental 'storying' of the past moments or imagined future moments was a real lightbulb moment for me! For one, it's made me realise why my mind is so tired - I feel like I am constantly 'storying' my past or my future. What a great insight that is. Now I feel like I have a way in to mindfulness for the first time. Much appreciated.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome! Yes we can get too caught up in our own stories, it's good to be mindful of that!

[@tonymccartan6553]

Ironically this video makes me think of the hardest year I've just had and how I can approach it differently

[@DougsDharma]

That's great to hear. Yes we can all learn from difficulties in our lives.