Approaches to Mindfulness

Question 1

What are three main Buddhist schools of Mindfulness

Answer 1

Therevada, Tibetan, Chan/Zen

Question 2

What does Theravada mean and in which countries is it most practiced?

Answer 2

Doctrine of the elders

Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos

Question 3

What is the main focus of Theravada and how is this done?

Answer 3

The main focus is achieving Shamatha, often through focusing on breath or sensations.

One can achieve Shamata through Samadhi. which is one mindedness, focus on a single object.

Question 4

What is the result of strong Samadhi and how many stages does it take?

Answer 4

Jhanas or Dhyana, readiness for insight

4 stages

Question 5

What are 4 important points in Thervada?

Answer 5

1: Great importance to Samadhi
2: Great Samadhi is only possible when you minimise distractions
3: Emphasis is placed on minimising desire and attachment
4: Ethical and moral conduct is central

Question 6

Where did Chan/Zen originate?

Answer 6

First in China as Chan, then into Japan as Zen

Question 7

What is the difference between Zen and Theravada approaches?

Answer 7

Zen, through the practice of Zanzen does not emphasise obtaining a state of being (Jhanas), but instead the process of just sitting and letting things come and go.

Question 8

Who was influenced heavily by by Zen practice?

Answer 8

John Kabat-ZInn

Question 9

What characterises the Tibetan approach?

Answer 9

Exposure to various sensations, pleasant and unpleasant and trying to develop a stable mind regardless of stimulus.

Question 10

Which Tibetan approaches have similarities to Soto Zen?

Answer 10

Dzogchen and Mahamudra