Secular Mindfulness as Skilful Means (Upaya-kaushalya)
Mindfulness November 1, 2024 Dh. Karunavira
A group of Indian Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) trainee teachers from poor, ex-Dalit communities who converted to Buddhism in the mid-1950s asked how MBSR meditation differs from the meditation they do as Buddhists. This paper uses the Buddhist Wheel of Life to argue that MBSR can be seen as a contemporary skilful means (upaya-kaushalya) that alleviates suffering without requiring religious affiliation. It positions MBSR within Buddhist compassion principles, addressing concerns that mindfulness-based interventions dilute the Buddha’s teachings. The paper concludes that MBSR extends compassion to those who might not seek traditional religious teachings, bridging secular and spiritual practices.