The Foundations of Mindfulness: How to Cultivate Attention, Good Judgment, and Tranquility

by Eric Harrison

An Essential Addition to Mindfulness Literature

Who among us does not want to discern right from wrong and useful from useless in any situation?

Thirty years ago—long before the modern mindfulness movement—Eric Harrison began teaching meditation as a secular, science-based therapy. Paradoxically, he rooted his practice in the Buddha’s original the Satipatthana Sutta .

The 13 steps in the Sutta offer readers the full benefits of attention, good judgment, and tranquility. Now—informed by a lifetime spent teaching tens of thousands to meditate—Harrison offers both a new translation of the Sutta (the first in modern English) and lucid guidance on how to apply it today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Personal Development

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[OldMan Freakboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books on mindfulness over that last few years and have a basic idea of the practice.. or so I thought. When I began to read Foundations of Mindfulness I quickly realized I had barely scratched the surface. The material presented by Eric Harrison went way beyond the other books, while still being understandable to a newcomer. Learning about the Three Sighs had an immediate impact on my day, and that came in the 4th chapter! If you are taking step one on your exploration into mindfulness, you might not want this to be your first book.. but if you have already started on your journey this book is what you want to read next.

[Rebecca Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive and enthralling book about Mindfulness. Eric Harrison has extensive knowledge of Buddhism and meditation history. He is able to explain, in relatively simple terms, the history of mindfulness and how it has evolved into what most of us know of it today.

Harrison is also a meditation teacher and long term practitioner. His reflections and insights into meditation are valuable to those starting out in meditation, as well as those with an existing practice. As a writer who is also an experienced teacher, he is able to cut through all the buzz and hyperbole that is often used in the popular press when discussing mindfulness. I think his evidence-based approach and wealth of experience will help and encourage many readers who are students of this often difficult practice.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since Kabath-Zinn a lot has been written about mindfulness. This books help us to find out the sources of some of the things that are now taken for granted. Buddhism and Yoga to help relax and meditating, plus some other information and clear explanation. Interesting enough if it's one of you first book about mindfulness.

Da quando Kabath-Zinn scrisse il suo libro, molto é stato detto sulla Mindfullness. Questo libro ci aiuta a scoprire o riscoprire le fonti che ora vengono date per scontate, come per esempio il buddismo e lo yoga per aiutarci a rilassarci e meditare; ci sono inoltre altre informazioni e chiare spiegazioni. Interessante se é il primo o uno dei primi libri che leggete sull'argomento.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an unexpected surprise.

A clear headed, pragmatic, critical introduction and discussion of mindfulness.

From it's origins in the spiritual and deeply ascetic philosophy of Buddha, to adapting it's insights to our modern secular world.

Including the problematic nature of the term 'mindfulness' itself, in capturing the purpose and techniques of the practice of mindfulness.

Non-judgemental acceptance is out! Non-reaction, focus and attention are in!

[K Hue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game-Changer of a book! reframes the definition (or re-translates, or brings "attention" to the proper translation) of "sati" as "attention" instead of what T.W. Rhys Davids' 19th cen. transl. as "mindfulness", which effectively changed an adjective "mindful" or "paying attention" to a noun (what the heck is "mindfulness"??!!?), and thereby changing the course of western interpretations of buddhism and meditation practices...fascinating book behind a rather benign, bland cover (my initial, automatic valence judgement evaluation...but practicing considered responses...)

[Brian Bundesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've tried meditation a few times, and admittedly, half-hearted. A recent vacation was a great time to decompress, and take another stab at it. I found this book on the shelf of a friends house and dove in. I found some great tips and techniques that I had never heard of before, as well as different was to look at the whole process. I enjoyed the book, and recommend it to anyone looking to explore meditation and the Buddhist perspective.

[Manuel Laphroaig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've stopped and started this book a number of times (highly ironic for a book on mindfulness) and am happy to have finally finished it.

I enjoyed it as an overall history of meditation/mindfulness and its historical links (and sometimes lack of links) back to Buddhism.

4 stars as I felt sometimes things were repeated and it could have probably been 50 pages shorter without losing any value.

[Sara Ghotb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Foundation of Mindfulness was my library pick for December, and I must say it turned out to be a fascinating read. While there were a few sections that were a bit challenging to follow, the book offers valuable insights into meditation and the Western interpretations of Buddhism. It's an excellent choice for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of mindfulness practices and their cultural context. Overall, a highly worthwhile read!

[Sabin Kafle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read along with over-emphasis on the meaning of words and their literal/non-literal translation which I found to be fine while reading, but a little bit overbearing and unnecessary on retrospection.

[Madison Chenoweth · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Portland-local, Buddhist-leaning, amazing grandfather amazon primed this to my house after a phone call. Tbh, learned quite a but about benefits of non-spiritual mediation/breathing/psychology. Grandpa, if you're reading this, thanks for the book!!

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

How to cultivate attention, good judgement, and tranquility?
Eric Harrison immediately got my attention!
My good judgement told me to abandon.
The print is so small and faint there could be no tranquility just trying to read.
May yours be a better experience.

[Peter Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical and down to earth approach.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books and articles I've read on mindfulness over the last few months, this has been the most clear and concise treatment of the subject that I've encountered. Not only does he explain exactly what mindfulness and meditation are, and how exactly to practice them, he also covers extensively what they are not. Or, at least, how modern mindfulness differs from what the Buddha originally taught on the matter (which is shockingly different). Despite the author's obvious extensive experience with meditation, he regularly acknowledges how the pure Buddhist approach to meditation is not serviceable to our modern needs, and that we can take those aspects of it that work for us, and ignore those that we don't agree with. This is a refreshing viewpoint.

Basically, I feel like Harrison's discussion of mindfulness here goes both deep and wide. He starts out with the very basics, but then delves into the meat of it too.