Beyond Mindfulness
I thought to write a follow up to an essay Nico Hase and I wrote on "Is Secular Mindfulness for the Better?" In it, we covered some of the complexities we have both had to face as Buddhist and meditation teachers in a rapidly evolving field.
We both received a lot of great feedback on that piece. Based on a suggestion from one reader, I would like to talk about some possible directions for people who have benefitted from mindfulness meditation and are looking for some next steps. I am writing this one solo, so any views expressed here do not necessarily represent my previous co-writer, Craig Hase.
If you are enjoying a relatively straightforward mindfulness practice; watching the breath, attempting to be more present with what you are doing, speaking, and thinking, Good for you! I certainly do not wish to cause you to doubt in your practice or to suggest that you are doing things inadequately or wrong in any way. We ultimately have to take up responsibility for our practice and should check up for ourselves, whether a particular philosophy or meditation technique is giving us what we want.
On the other hand, when we check up on what we want and what we are often seeking, it is often the slippery logic of the ego that is unconsciously driving the bus. From an ego-identified point of view, it is "all about me." So when we ask the ego what it wants, it usually wants to avoid something perceived as undesirable, and or obtain something seen as pleasurable. Our unconscious motivations (when left unexamined) for meditation are not necessarily any different. From a Buddhist point of view meditating while clinging to a peaceful state and or avoiding life's inevitable sufferings will only bolster our ego-clinging and produce more dissatisfaction.
Therefore, examining and exploring beneficial intentions is key when deepening our meditation practice. Classically, listening to, and contemplating the dharma come before committing to formal meditation practice. Learning and contemplation allow us the time to investigate and connect with the more long term benefits of meditation. It also helps us to have more confidence in the vast potential of our human opportunity.
As modern people, we often get impatient with the preparation it takes to benefit from more traditional models of meditation. Some of us may come to the practice with the desire and expectation that its purpose is to shut the mind off, or we become itchy whenever something sounds too religious. Here, it can be helpful to remember that traditional models of meditation are systems of inquiry. In this context, the training includes an ongoing investigation into our hidden assumptions and beliefs.
Buddhism has elements of being both a philosophy and a religion. Though, at its roots, it is mostly a system of investigation into the nature of reality. Here we may contemplate what looks like beliefs as a provisional step towards more direct experience. The point here is not to become a believer, but to cultivate a sharp yet open mind as we explore.
Over time our exploration shapes and forms more beneficial intentions. For example, when we contemplate the First Noble Truth of Dukkha (suffering), we are looking directly at our life experience. The deeper we look and inquire, the more ability we have to discern what level of satisfaction we are getting out of our current thought patterns, habits, and behaviors. This reflection ultimately leads to a shift in our intentions, as we start to doubt whether our existing habit patterns produce the happiness we want.
Eventually, this doubt gives rise to a pervasive shift in not only our attitudes and behaviors but how we are using this precious life as a whole. To discern where happiness and suffering derive from, we have to take a more in-depth look under the surface and ask ourselves some tough questions. This exploration takes courage and persistence, and unfortunately, our habit patterns are stubborn and often confuse and block us from seeing the truth about the nature of suffering.
So what's after mindfulness? I advise people to go back to the roots of where mindfulness came from in the first place (i.e., Buddhism). See what components might be missing from your practice and open your mind to some new ideas. Make an effort to connect with some teachings and teachers who might help guide your study and practice.
The more I work with the Buddhist path, both as a practitioner and teacher, the more I see it as a clear and holistic path based on inquiry and self-discovery. If the religious parts of it make you itchy, start by giving yourself a lot of room. Remind yourself that the essence of Buddhism is not found in grasping to new beliefs, but rather in contemplating its teachings to uncover the nature of reality and our own awakened heart.
Meditative awareness and mindfulness can be an excellent tool for accessing more peace and compassion in one's life. It can also be a tool, when driven by a deeper intention for awakening, to end our suffering and confusion entirely. Fortunately, when we study, contemplate, and meditate on the latter, the former naturally arises.
