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I am interested in some discussion on the similarities and differences. There are many biblical exhortations to be watchful, vigilant, 'Keep watch". In my reading the seem to contain a moral element. Watch that you are ready for the coming. Watch and pay. Watch for the Adversary.
Meanwhile, Buddhist mindfulness seems to be more about nonjudgmental awareness. Starting with breathing and then thoughts and feelings. Just awareness without guilt or getting involved with them.
As the popular concept of “mindfulness” has grown exponentially over the past three or four decades, the term has been defined and interpreted in all sorts of ways and applied to all aspects of life, from business transactions to eating to sex. Indeed, being “mindful” is often viewed as an end in itself.
That, however, is not a Buddhist idea. It’s worth remembering that the Buddha never said that mindfulness can solve our problems—it’s just one skill among many that he taught on the path leading to cessation of suffering.
So While Buddhist Mindfulness is the recent trend, Christian vigilance is an ancient and perhaps at times forgotten discipline.
Thoughts?
23 Bible Verses about 'Watch'
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your… A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has… Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The… The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over… Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for…
dailyverses.net
- Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Matthew 24:42 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 - But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 - Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15
Meanwhile, Buddhist mindfulness seems to be more about nonjudgmental awareness. Starting with breathing and then thoughts and feelings. Just awareness without guilt or getting involved with them.
As the popular concept of “mindfulness” has grown exponentially over the past three or four decades, the term has been defined and interpreted in all sorts of ways and applied to all aspects of life, from business transactions to eating to sex. Indeed, being “mindful” is often viewed as an end in itself.
That, however, is not a Buddhist idea. It’s worth remembering that the Buddha never said that mindfulness can solve our problems—it’s just one skill among many that he taught on the path leading to cessation of suffering.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness, the English translation of "sati," describes a way of training the mind that is integral to all other elements of Buddhist practice.
tricycle.org
So While Buddhist Mindfulness is the recent trend, Christian vigilance is an ancient and perhaps at times forgotten discipline.
Thoughts?