The Dangers of Mindfulness: Another Myth?
Mindfulness December 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01682-w (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractCriticism of mindfulness is necessary for the field to progress, but such criticism must be reasonable and grounded in facts, not subjective imagination. The claim that mindfulness is intrinsically dangerous has been influenced by unreasonable allegations from Daniel Ingram, which some scholars have taken seriously due to their lack of familiarity with Buddhist doctrine and genuine insight meditation practices.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that criticism of mindfulness must be reasonable and fact-based, and that claims of intrinsic danger are influenced by Daniel Ingram's unreasonable assertions, which some scholars accept due to lack of knowledge of Buddhist doctrine and insight meditation. |
Abstract
AbstractCriticism of potential drawbacks of mindfulness is crucial for the field to move forward and remain grounded in reality rather than become carried away by the mindfulness hype. At the same time, however, such criticism needs to be reasonable and based on actual facts rather than subjective imagination. The allegation that mindfulness is intrinsically dangerous appears to have been influenced by unreasonable claims made by Daniel Ingram, which have been taken seriously due to an apparent lack of acquaintance of some scholars with Buddhist doctrine and with genuine forms of insight meditation.