Mindfulness is a broader and larger function than concentration. it is an all-encompassing
function. Concentration is exclusive. It settles down on one item and ignores everything
else. Mindfulness is inclusive. It stands back from the focus of attention and watches with
a broad focus, quick to notice any change that occurs. If you have focused the mind on a
stone, concentration will see only the stone. Mindfulness stands back from this process,
aware of the stone, aware of the concentration focusing on the stone, aware of the
intensity of that focus and instantly aware of the shift of attention when concentration is
distracted. It is mindfulness which notices the distraction which has occurred, and it is
mindfulness which redirects the attention to the stone.
function. Concentration is exclusive. It settles down on one item and ignores everything
else. Mindfulness is inclusive. It stands back from the focus of attention and watches with
a broad focus, quick to notice any change that occurs. If you have focused the mind on a
stone, concentration will see only the stone. Mindfulness stands back from this process,
aware of the stone, aware of the concentration focusing on the stone, aware of the
intensity of that focus and instantly aware of the shift of attention when concentration is
distracted. It is mindfulness which notices the distraction which has occurred, and it is
mindfulness which redirects the attention to the stone.
( Henepola Gunaratana )
[ Mindfulness in Plain English ]
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