Mindfulness? Or Concentration?
May 21, 2009 In class this week, I was asked a very good question: What is the difference between mindfulness and concentration?
First, a similarity.
Whether in mindfulness or concentration, wandering thoughts of what happened yesterday at work or what might happen when my in-laws come to visit next week are gently brushed aside.
The difference?
Mindfulness is being aware of what we are doing and of what is happening around us. When planting seeds in the garden, I am aware of the feel of the dirt, the fragility of the seedlings, the way the water soaks quickly into the loose soil around the seedling. I am aware of, mindful of, the sounds of children playing in the next yard, of the songs of a group of birds in the trees, of the warmth of the sun on my back, and the changing light pattern as clouds drift across the sky.
Concentration is choosing what I will focus on and remaining focused on that. Planting the seedling, I am focused on the holding the seedling. Digging the hole to place it in. I am focused on my digging. Watering the seedling I am absorbed in giving the seedling just the right amount of water. I hear the children and the birds, I feel sun's warmth, and see the changing light, but I brush thoughts of them aside and do not become absorbed in them.
Reader Comments (8)
It's always interesting when these things also are proven by science.
So would mindfulness be acknowledged sensory input and concentration be the wilful application of same?
IE I choose a recipe to make a cake and go through the physical routine to make it. That would be concentration related. As I go through the routine of applying the recipe, the texture of the flour in my fingers, the smell of the ingredients via my nose, the enticing colours (chocolate!!!!) that my eyes perceive would all be mindfulness related?
Peace & love, Geo
Namo Amituofo
Geo, that's a very good way of explaining concentration and mindfulness. (Especially the chocolate bit...;-))
It is always nice to read other comments on the subject.
As a scientist, it is easy for me to concentrate.
However, i am struggling with mindfulness.
Thanks
Omar
I was wondering if this is concentration as well: After chanting in a hearty fashion the body my becomes very very relaxed. It is like being in "heaven." I could
a.) fall asleep,
b.) sit and enjoy the relaxation that comes and really go deep into the relaxation (not sleeping mind you!) and still hear the Dharma talk and open ones eyes (if needed for some emergency and be totally present) The person talking probably does not appreciate the eyes being closed but it is our choice. or
c.) ignore the invitation to relax and just sit like your taking a college course. However those things being said are way out there and not understandable for now.
d) use the wrist beads and chant and relax and not be affected the Dharma talk and just focus on the name recitation.
Are any of the examples considered concentration if not could you explain further using some of the above examples?
Thank you for the work you do:)
Amitoufou,
anybody
When I'm lecturing, many people close their eyes. I often do so myself when listening, so the lecturer would not take offense. Even if the person fell asleep, the lecturer would not take offense. But falling asleep is most certainly not concentrating.
Concentration involves focus. I usually don't think of relaxation going with concentration.
The main thing is when we are doing our practice, our mind is totally focused on the chanting. We're not thinking "relaxation." We're only thinking "Amituofo."
I just came up with and idea, I might be more confident about keeping my eyes close if I held my hand to my ear to let the person speaking to me (actually to the audience) know I really am hearing what is being said; even though I don't necesarily understand it and its significance for me right now.
Relaxation goes with concentration for me because I am not strained in my aciton. It is like those time when time passes and you have not noticed. "oops time flew by" and two hours have passed effortlessly; or "time stood still" I close my eyes and it feels like an hour past and it was only 5-10 minutes passing.
Oh I must share this last thing. When chanting in walking meditation I wanted to bust out laughing. So much joy and happiness was welling up inside of me I had to really get control. You see I did not think the people around me would find it "kuth" socially appropriate to laugh during walking meditation. The smile on my face was so huge. I could hardly contain myself. I am working on self-control by the way, I didn't get kicked out so I guess I managed to mustard up some self control. In any case life is good. Name recitation is always wonderful!
Oh well so much for now. Thank you. May the peace and joy of the present moment be with you always and everywhere.
Amitoufou,
anybody
I'm glad you managed to control your glee. Smiling was a much safer alternative.
Don't worry about closing your eyes. As long as you don't fall off your chair, start snoring, or lean precipitously forward, people will know you're listening.