Mindfulness is a basic capability of mind, and it is practiced for many different reasons, both spiritual and secular. Buddhism uses mindfulness in a unique and powerful way—to develop wisdom. This combination of mindfulness and insight is the basic definition of Buddhist meditation. It is the key to the path to enlightenment.
Buddhism is the wisdom religion. The problem Buddhism addresses is suffering, and its ultimate remedy is wisdom. We cause suffering in many ways, but they all have their root in our basic ignorance about what we and our world really are. Misunderstanding the nature of reality, we fixate on the illusion of a solid personal self that we fight to protect and please. Manipulating any equally illusory world, we cause pain and suffering for ourselves and others in a pointless, endless struggle.
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