Secular Mindfulness as Skilful Means (Upaya-kaushalya)

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.

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Abstract

AbstractThis paper explores a pivotal question raised by a group of Indian Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) trainee teachers from poor, ex-Dalit communities who converted to Buddhism in the mid-1950s. The question—“How is this MBSR meditation different from the meditation we do as Buddhists?”—highlights the perceived differences between traditional Buddhist meditation aimed at enlightenment and secular mindfulness practices designed to alleviate psychological and emotional distress. Adopting a somewhat heuristic approach, using the Buddhist Wheel of Life, the discussion elucidates how MBSR can be viewed as a contemporary skilful means (upaya-kaushalya) designed to alleviate various forms of suffering without religious affiliation. This perspective aligns MBSR with Buddhist compassion principles, addressing tensions about whether contemporary Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBIs) dilute the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma). By positioning MBIs within the broader context of skill-in-means, this paper underscores their role in extending compassion to those who might not seek traditional religious teachings, thus bridging the gap between secular and spiritual practices. This discussion aims to deepen the understanding of MBSR as a legitimate and compassionate extension of Buddhist principles, adapted for contemporary needs.