Mayka,
It appears to me that the five points also describe 'Shikantaza'. --ED --- In [email protected], Maria Lopez <flordeloto@...> wrote: > Bill and all; In spite of first teaching received was Mindfulness as introduction to zen buddhism in the TNH tradition, I myself tried to avoid this term specially while on internet because my experience while using it is that of bringing disorientation and confusion over the hearers. Never thought before mindfulness as a koan, but yes one can say is that. I don't know what one uses to resolve koans in the other zen traditions. Some tips that can help to generate the energy of mindfulness: 1- There is no intellectual focus over the word mindfulness. 2- There is no koan to break through but just awareness of whatever is going on in the body, mind, within and around in the here and the now. 2- Use of the in and out conscious breathing as a tool to bring the mind continuously back to it's true home or Buddha Nature. 3- Alertness 4- Acknowledgement of whatever is happening, arising in one. 4- No judgement 5- No following after, no entanglement, no attachment to any sensation, thoughts, feelings.... the same if those are pleasant or unpleasant. let that happens as they arise and dissolve, continuously coming and going. Mindfulness can be used in all living daily situations even if one will be playing golf. Though different situation will also require of the common sense and intelligence of the practicioner through the used of the tools. But all that knowing what to do or not to do in different situations comes by itself through this simple practice of awakening. The most mindfulness is practiced the most the energy that comes from it gets generated. The most this energy is generated the most alertness, attention, concentration, awareness....awakening is also generated through it. The energy coming from mindfulness is the energy of our buddha nature....or whatever one wants to call it. Mayka
