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Mindfulness in Every Gesture
Mindfulness is the fundamental energy of practice, derived from smṛti (Sanskrit) or sati (Pali), helping the mind to be free from the pull of the past, the future, sorrow, and fear, so that it can be fully present in the here and now. Mindfulness and concentration lead to insight, opening the door to the possibility of transformation and liberation from suffering. When body and mind are in harmony, every action—walking, standing, sitting, lying down—becomes a method of practice, nourishing the energy of mindfulness.
The four main domains of mindfulness of the body
- walking with awareness of each step
- standing up and sitting down with clear recognition of intention and action
- sitting meditation as stable as sitting under the Bodhi tree
- lying down to rest while still maintaining mindfulness
Lighting incense, inviting the bell, reciting the name Namo Shakyamuni Buddha or Manjushri Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara, are all practices of mindfulness when every movement, breath, and mudra are carefully followed. Three breaths for each sound of the bell, three consecutive sounds of the bell making a total of nine breaths—a practice that helps the community to stop, return to the present moment, and deeply touch the source of awakened energy, great loving-kindness, and great compassion. Practice does not only take place in great temples with large Buddhas, but is present in every small act such as opening a door, carrying a bowl of rice, washing dishes, where every breath and every step is an opportunity to generate mindfulness, concentration, and give rise to insight.