Mindfulness is non-egotistic alertness. It takes place without reference to self. With mindfulness one sees all phenomena without references to concepts like “me,” “my,” or “mine.”
For example, suppose there is pain in your left leg. Ordinary consciousness would say, “I have a pain.” Using mindfulness, one would simply note the sensation as a sensation. One would not tack on that extra concept “I.” Mindfulness stops one from adding anything to perception, or subtracting anything from it. One does not enhance anything. One does not emphasize anything. One just observes exactly what is there without distortion. (more…)

Mindfulness is an impartial watchfulness. It does not take sides. It does not get hung up in what is perceived. It just perceives.
Mindfulness does not get infatuated with the good mental states. It does not try to sidestep the bad mental states. There is no clinging to the pleasant, no fleeing from the unpleasant. Mindfulness treats all experiences equally, all thoughts equally, all feelings equally. Nothing is suppressed. Nothing is repressed. Mindfulness does not play favorites. (more…)

Mindfulness is very much like what you see with your peripheral vision as opposed to the hard focus of normal or central vision. It is the purpose of Vipassana meditation to train us to prolong that moment of awareness.
When this mindfulness is prolonged by using proper techniques, you find that this experience is profound, and it changes your entire view of the universe. This state of perception has to be learned, however, it takes regular practice. Once you learn the technique, you will find that mindfulness has many interesting aspects. (more…)

Mindfulness or sati is the first factor of enlightenment. Mindfulness is not a passive practice; rather it is an active tool of self-mastery.

Being aware and mindful of one’s actions, words and thoughts is central to Buddhist practice. The distinction between good and evil or bad can be made only when a Buddhist practices such mindfulness at every waking moment. (more…)

Here is an explanation of the seven factors of Buddhist enlightenment and how the factors combine to enable a Buddhist to experience enlightenment or nirvana.

In Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment are: (more…)

Today when I sat to pen down something on children’s day my thoughts kept going to the parents! How often have you noticed calling your child unfortunate, disrespecting, ingrate, ill-mannered etc. They were not born that way; we made them that way! What right do we have to bring a child into this world if we are not able to handle their physical as well as emotional needs?

Everyone always talks about children who have been deprived monetarily. Let’s talk about those kids who have material abundance! The parents think they are the best parents in the world by giving them everything they need and a lot besides! (more…)

This time onwards I will begin writing a series of blogs on “Seven Factors of Enlightenment”. Buddhism is all about enlightenment, Nirvana or awakening.

Here is an explanation of the seven factors of enlightenment as expounded by the Buddha:-

Attaining enlightenment, awakening or Nirvana is the Buddhist goal and Buddhists strive to attain this goal by leading a life filled with compassion, loving-kindness, meditation and by daily Buddhist practice. The factors of enlightenment “might be regarded as a pyramid with mindfulness at the base and each factor supporting and helping the other.”

What Does Enlightenment Mean in Buddhism?
Buddhism teaches enlightenment, nirvana or awakening. It aims to awaken the human soul and inspire it to take charge, to be responsible for life and to live a moral and humane existence.
Simply put, enlightenment in Buddhism means awakening to the Four Noble Truths and living a life filled with compassion and loving-kindness, free of negativity and hatred and based on the Dharma.

To Be Continued…

Other Lifestyle Measures to Ease the Pain:
Sexual Activity: There have been reports that orgasm reduces the severity of menstrual cramps. Thus this activity has more advantages than you believed them to have. (more…)

Dietary and Other Recommendations During the Menstrual Period:
Making dietary adjustments starting about 14 days before a period may help some women with certain mild menstrual disorders, such as cramping. (more…)

Breathing Techniques Recommended During the Menstrual Period -

Ujjayi and Viloma pranayama in Shavasana:
If the menstruation is normal without giving any pain, headache, irritation, anxiety, suffocation, depression one can do Ujjayi and Viloma pranayamas in a sitting position. (more…)