Stages and approaches Flashcards
Whose table is used to divide stages of mindfulness ?
Lutz, divided into object, subject and reflective awareness
What is stage one in mindfulness all about?
In stage one we focus on an object in order to quiet the mind,
We sustain focus as a way of reducing distraction.
We choose neutral stimulus
We aim to do so, non-judgementally and non-elaboratory
What is stage one described as in secular and MBSR?
Secular: Focused attention
MBSR: Body Scan
What is stage two all about?
Stage two is all about seeing our thoughts and sensations as passing waves that come and go.
What is stage two described as in secular and MBSR?
Secular: Open monitoring
MBSR: Mindfulness of feelings or thoughts
What may we learn from stage 2 about ourselves?
We are able to see which thoughts are most pervasive
Allowing us to rewire our brains from reactive to responsive.
What can we learn from what our mind fixates on?
What is most important to us
That we perceive them as facts
They are important to our sense of self
They drive our habitual thoughts
What does stage 2 tell us about our identity and how does it differ in Buddhism and MBSR/MBCT
Stage 2 shows us all the levels of identity we have developed and disengage from them to reveal our true selves.
In Buddhism this is explicit, in MBSR and MBCT it is implicit
How does western philosophical awareness conceptualise stage 2?
It sees the self divided between experiential and autobiographical self, by breaking our chains of identity we can realise that in the moment the only constant is awareness
What is stage three all about?
In stage three we no longer focus on a object or ourselves as a subject. We simply become aware of our experience.
How does MBSR and MBCT see stage 3?
Stage three is known as choiceness awareness. These practices see the awareness of states as temporary and have no preference to what thoughts, feelings or sensations come into the mind.
What is stage 4 in Mindfulness?
Stage 4 is known Secularly as:
Non-duality (no subject and object)
Open Awareness
Effortless mindfulness
Is Open awareness and Open Monitoring the same?
In open monitoring there is still:
An awareness of the the now
An awareness of trying to improve through focus on the subject
What can be a problem of “The Now” in mediation?
The now can become a subject of fixation
How do Zen and Tibetan approaches to meditation challenge fixation?
In Zen you are encouraged to non-doing doing and non-meditating meditating
In Tibetan schools you should “leave the mind in it’s natural state”
Avoid fixating on now
Relax your effort
