Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening

by Joseph Goldstein

We can bring this simplicity to our meditation practice. Munindra-ji would often say, “Sit and know you’re sitting, and the whole of the Dharma will be revealed.” But sometimes in our practice we’re looking for something special, and so we miss this simplicity and overlook what is right in front of us. The power and strength of bare attention come not from special experiences but from a sustained continuity of awareness. We’re not looking for any particular experience, for the breath or the body to be a special way. Rather, we’re simply listening to, being aware of, and receiving the contact of whatever presents itself. It’s like listening to a new piece of music when we’re relaxed and attentive at the same time. It’s not hard to be mindful; it just takes training to remember to be mindful.