Clinical mindfulness and traditional Buddhist sati

My interest in Buddhism is derived from practical applications of clinical mindfulness. In the words of John Kabat-Zinn mindfulness is “intentionally paying attention in the present moment, non judgmentally.” This is an incredibly narrow definition of mindfulness, sati, that has been commented on by George Dreyfuss for instance. But it sets the tone with right view, right mindfulness (possibly) and right effort. A kickstarter you could say to the Buddhist path.

If such a simplistic method can spur someone to seek the path can traditional Buddhism learn from this. Just a question of interest.

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Well, I think it can, to be honest. The Buddha was a wonderful teacher in that he adjusted his teaching to the listener. Maybe there’s some way to do this for the west, without watering Buddhism down, or corrupting the Dhamma.

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