The Dangers of Mc-Mindfulness Vs Right-Mindfulness (Sammasati/Smriti)

 

The difference between incorrect, culturally appropriated and commercialised mindfulness and authentic right-mindfulness from the Eastern wisdom traditions it originates from, is the teachings, wisdom, intention and focus of the practice.
 

Culturally appropriated and commercialised mindfulness often involves taking elements of mindfulness practices from their original cultural context and stripping them of their deeper meaning and cultural significance. It involves simplifying or commodifying the practice for a Western audience, or using mindfulness as a tool for personal gain or profit. This lead to a superficial understanding of mindfulness that ignores its deeper spiritual and cultural roots. It lacks the depth and intention of real mindfulness, which is a holistic and transformative practice that can lead to greater inner peace, well-being, and wisdom.
 

Authentic right-mindfulness from Eastern wisdom traditions, such as Gurmat and Buddhist wisdom is rooted in a rich cultural and historical context and is focused on developing a deeper understanding of oneself, self-inquiry, the human condition and the world around us. It emphasises the importance of cultivating present moment awareness, compassion, and wisdom through regular practice, often through meditation or mindful living.

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Authentic or right-mindfulness is grounded in the teachings of the Buddha and is considered to be a path to liberation from suffering. It is not intended as a quick fix or a tool for personal gain, but rather as a holistic and transformative practice that can lead to greater inner peace, well-being, and wisdom.
 

The difference between culturally appropriated and commercialised mindfulness and authentic right-mindfulness from the Eastern wisdom traditions it orginates from, is the depth of understanding and cultural context in which the practices are grounded, as well as the intention and focus of the practice.

 

Right mindfulness (samma-sati in Pali) also known as halthy mindfulness, is the 7th element of the Eightfold Path, which is the path for optimum health, wellbeing and liberation in heritage wellbeing traditions from the east.

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Right mindfulness refers to the practice of being aware and present in the moment, without judgment or attachment to thoughts and feelings

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In eastern wisdom traditions, right mindfulness/samasati are essential components of developing wisdom and insight into the nature of reality, and are often cultivated through practices such as meditation and mindful living. Through the practice of right-mindfulness/samasati, one can develop a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, and ultimately achieve greater inner peace and liberation from suffering.

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When it comes to teaching practices such as Consciousness, Meditation, Yoga, or the internal energetic meridian and nadi systems, it is crucial for the teacher to have received proper training and guidance from an experienced master with a lineage. Here are some reasons why:
 

• Lack of proper understanding: Without proper guidance, the teacher does have significant depth in the teachings, full understanding of the practices or the impact of the practice they are teaching. There is not understanding of the contraindications associated with the practice of meditation. This leads to significant risks on the student which may manifest as forgotten trauma, disruptive psychic events and negative dissociation.
   

• Incorrect practices: Improper practice of these techniques can lead to serious psychological and transpersonal health risks. Without proper guidance, the teacher is not able to teach the practices correctly, which can lead to injuries and other health problems.
   

• Misleading students: Without a lineage, the teacher does not have the same level of knowledge or understanding as those who have been trained and practice (for 10+ years) in the techniques for generations. This leads to the teacher providing false or misleading information to their students.
   

• Risk of spiritual bypassing: Spiritual bypassing is the tendency to use spiritual practices as a way to avoid facing difficult emotions or experiences. Without proper training, a teacher is not able to recognise when their students are using these practices as a way to avoid dealing with their issues or deeper trauma. 
   

• Loss of authenticity: A teacher without proper training and lineage is not able to impart the authenticity and depth of the teachings. This can lead to a loss of the essence of the practices and a lack of transformation in the students.
   

• Negative impacts on the students: Improper teaching will have negative impacts on the students. This can include physical injuries, mental health issues, and spiritual crises.
   

• Loss of respect for the traditions: Without proper training and lineage, the teacher is not able to understand the importance of respecting the traditions and lineages from which the teachings originate from. This can lead to a loss of respect for the practices and the people who have kept them alive for thousands of years and generations. 
   

• Dilution of the practices: A teacher without proper training does not have full understanding of the practices and will dilute them to make them more accessible to their students. This will inevitably place the students development at risk and leads to a loss of the true essence of the practices and a watering down of their transformative power.
   

• Legal issues: If a teacher without proper training and lineage causes harm to their students, they will be liable for legal action.
   

• Ethical concerns: It is unethical for a teacher to teach mindfulness meditation practices without proper training and lineage. It is their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their students and to uphold the authenticity of the practices.
   

The practice of mindfulness has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as a result, there has been a rise of commercial incorrect mindfulness programs and products. The main difference between commercial mindfulness and real mindfulness is the teachings, lineage, authenticity, intention and focus of the practice.

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Please see a video from our associate from a colleague Professor Richard King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT5qIR2yKAA

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