- Paramhansa Niranjan Ananda Saraswati
“Mindfulness” or “mindful awareness” is a term commonly related to Buddhist meditation practices. It is actually a very simple concept. It means having an open awareness of body and mind. It is present centered, prejudgmental and nonconceptual. In other words, it is about being aware of “what is” before we begin to impose an overlay of thought about it. It sounds simple but it is often difficult to practice. We tend to leap into thoughts, into memories or concerns about the future. We analyze and compare our present experience with what we have learned, either through experience or from books, tv, social media, or some other source. We worry about the future and fixate on the past. People who come to meditation classes often complain, “I just can’t turn my thoughts off.” In reality, it is nearly impossible for any of us to actually turn thoughts off. However, we can start to become aware of our thought processes. We can start to present with our thoughts without being controlled by them.
My training is actually more related to the Vedantic tradition which is very closely related to Buddhism. My primary teacher, Swami Niranjan, constantly coached us in developing a present-centered awareness. Despite our cultural infatuation with the physical performance of “yoga,” it is more truly understood as a discipline of awareness. It is about becoming aware. If we are practicing “postures” without opening to this deeper awareness, we are not really practicing yoga. We are just “exercising.” Yoga is a discipline for transcending our limited attachment to our mental constructs and neurotic emotions. It is about becoming aware of our authentic Self. Hatha yoga is a wonderful means of achieving a state of relaxation and healing many physical problems. It is even a way of looking more attractive! However, there is a deeper purpose. The physical yoga practices were originally developed to help us prepare for meditation. In fact, if practiced with full awareness, they are a form of meditation.
The whole point of a yoga “workout” is to let go of tension, anxiety, preoccupations, etc. and to be present. At the end of a yoga class we always practice relaxation and inner awareness. The physical practices help us to go deeper within ourselves to become aware of and let go of unconscious conditioning. It is a means of liberating ourselves. Our deeper, authentic Self shines forth when we are able to relax both body and mind. It takes repeated practice, but eventually we will become established in that authentic being. Of course, we can’t leave the practice of awareness behind when we finish our “practice.” The real point is to wake up within our lives, to be open and present to each moment whether we are at work, having coffee, taking a walk or resting on the couch.
Some Resources
The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha/2008 Fourth Revised Edition
Yoga Darshan
