Mindfulness is at the heart of Buddhist training, and the Buddha's teaching on mindfulness is extensive and detailed.

The following is only a brief outline of this practice as it is used in everyday activity.

Mindfulness is about being aware and still in the present moment. An essential activity of training is to keep returning to the choice of being mindful in whatever activites are going on in daily life, whether working, resting, eating, speaking to someone, or involved in any other activity.

While being focused, awareness can remain bright and open rather than narrow and dull. Rather than daydreaming while standing in a line, waiting for the bus, participating in a business meeting or relaxing while watching TV, the practice of training is to be mindful and still.

This mindfulness can extend to all our actions of body, speech, and mind.

Although not inherently difficult, this practice requires living fully in the present moment, giving each action full attention.

When becoming aware that the mind has started to wander, take notice of this wandering,and return to being mindful of the present action.

Performing an action mindfully does not mean concentrating so intensely on one thing that other things are excluded.

For example, it is possible to cut vegetables and prepare a meal in the kitchen mindfully and attentively, while at the same time keeping an attentive ear to what the child playing in the next room is doing.

If while preparing lunch and looking out for the child, a wave of resentment arises towards a friend who has said something apparently hurtful, apply mindfulness to let go of the resentment.

By being mindful and still, a person can simultaneously accept themselves completely and avoid getting caught up in that which creates suffering. What happens in daily life becomes a training ground when mindfulness is practiced.

The practice of mindfulness transforms daily life into our training place.

Just as not being mindful leads to mistaken actions, mindfulness brings about the necessary insight that is the foundation for right actions. Being mindful and still in daily life allows for a more peaceful life, made up of actions more harmonious and in tune with the Precepts of Buddha. The mind grows gathered and still, the heart more serene. We come to know ourselves better, and have a clearer understanding of our purpose in life.

The Buddhas do not force you;

everything comes out of your

own efforts in the Way.