Dhamma Letter No. 77
Sati was described as a term of mindfulness / awareness in Dhamma letter No. 12 and No. 76.
Furthermore, Sati is the beautiful mind in 52 mental factors(Cetasika in Abhidhamma), which is associated with Wisdom.
The beautiful mind means wholesome mind which is led by the eightfold noble path to Nibbana.
It is called ‘Yoniso manasikara’ in Pali. This indicates a correct attention.
People translate mindfulness into mindfulness and use it. However, this mainly means attention to focus on the object. For example, a cat focusing on a mouse, or a soldier aiming a gun in the army. This can be called 'concentration of attention', not 'sati'. However, modern 'mindfulness meditation' naturally uses the term for such things as well. Of course, you will be able to achieve more in the work you want to achieve, and you will be able to produce results that can help you pursue health and material happiness. However, 'Sati meditation', which has its essence in Buddhist meditation, has more meaning than that. This is a means of achievement, and it has great significance in dealing with the essence of life and death beyond physical and mental health.
Therefore, the meaning of mindfulness must be 'Yoniso Manasikara', that is, correct attention: Samma-Sati(Right-Mindfulness, 正念정념), beyond the simple meaning of 'awareness/mindfulness' : Samma-Sati is from Samma-viriya (Right efforts, 正精進정정진 : Dhamma letter no. 72).
Ayoniso Manasikara i.e. Incorrect Attention: You should not use Sati's terminology if you have the mind or concentrate on the unwholesome.
The purpose of mindfulness is that it can only be used as a tool toward Nirvana (ultimate and supreme happiness).
If you know the etymology and original purpose of mindfulness that has been translated, modernized, and used in various ways, you will be able to work on more detailed meditation.
Whenever you become aware of mindfulness, you must simultaneously check the three conditions presented in the Dhamma Letter no. 76.
To be continued…
May you cultivate your mind with Sati!
May you have a beautiful mind through vipassana meditation!
May you develop wisdom with Sati!
With Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā & Mahāpajāpatī Bhikkhunī Sangha
Edited by Euna Bonovich
If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com .
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The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !
Beautifully written. Though mindfulness has become a healthy pivot in society, the nuances and the spiritual practice of Sati is often ignored, or not even known.