Focusing on an object or reflexive self-awareness? Mindfulness, phenomenology and the Pāli suttas

Summary

Mindfulness in the Pāli suttas was not originally an exercise in focusing on a meditation object but reflexive self-awareness, contradicting the modern characterization of mindfulness as 'bare attention'. The article argues that right mindfulness (sammāsati) is a philosophical enterprise requiring awareness of broader context, and it can be cultivated only by noble ones with right view and virtue, not by ordinary persons (puthujjana).

Study at a glance

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of mindfulness within the contemporary mindfulness movement was the subject of a recent phenomenological critique. The present article confronts that critique in order to develop a phenomenologically viable interpretation of mindfulness that corresponds with how the word sati is used in the Pāli suttas. By clarifying the distinction between intentional objects and intentional acts, it can be shown that mindfulness was not originally conceived of as an exercise in focusing on a meditation object, but as reflexive self-awareness. Consequently, it is wrong to describe mindfulness as ‘bare attention’. Mindfulness was originally a philosophical enterprise, an attitude that can be cultivated only when one is attending to things while remaining aware of the broader context. Furthermore, an ordinary person (puthujjana) cannot cultivate what the Buddha called ‘right mindfulness’ (sammāsati). This is the province of the noble ones who have acquired the right view and are accomplished in virtue.

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