Mindfulness & Emptiness

• Mindfulness as taught by the buddha

• Mindfulness of body

• Mindfulness of feelings

• Mindfulness of mental factors

• Arising and ceasing of aggregates

                                
  

   Mindfulness as taught by the buddha

        In the study and practice of the buddha's teaching a world frequently heard is mindfulness.anyone who is even slightly aquatinted with meditation is familiar with this term, There is no question about the second mediators.We are often told by the Dhamma teachers that mindfulness is something we should practice at all times. It is therefore important what we understand its meaning, for then only can we develop mindfulness as given in the buddha's teaching.

frequently mindfulness is defined as being aware and alert. What is that we must be aware of and be alert about? here it is impotant to mention a particular definition of mindfulness before we proceed further. According to this explanation of mindfulness , it is the act of begin aware and alert about what we are doing here and now.if we do not carefully examine this,we shall be compelled to accept this definition. let us take some samples of mindfulness according to this way of looking at it. Should there be a person who slaughters cattle,goats,pigs and other creatures, does he develop mindfulness in this work according to our definition? There is no doubt that he is truly aware and alert when he is engaged in his activities. Should he fail to be mindfil, does not this occupation become hazardous? Let us take the example of the soldier who is in the battlefield. If he is one enemy territory and is seeking to move foreword, with every step he takes he should be most careful. He should display great awareness and be always alert. If he fails to do so, he forfeits his very life. A high way robber, likewise, has to be extremely alert. he should exercise the greatest vigilance and care. his victims may be armed, and he should always take care that he is not caught by the law enforcement authorities. You must have seen a cat getting ready to pounce on a rat,or a rat snake slowly moving his away towards a squirrel to swallow it. With that great care and undivided attention do they set about their work?