Customer
Not for us.
The founder is seeking to move mindfulness away from its Buddhist roots which is a colonial rhetoric that will ultimately limit the value and essence of mindfulness, and a notion that goes against the point of diversity and inclusion.
Response from Mindful LeaderOct 13, 2023
Thank you for your feedback following my session on mindfulness reformation. I recognize that the ideas presented might have been thought-provoking. To clarify our position: We firmly advocate for mindfulness to be derived from, rather than entangled with, Buddhism. The current intertwining of the two in Western practice has given rise to issues such as deception, lack of transparency, conflicts of interest, and, distressingly, the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations. This conflation has risked diluting the authenticity and essence of both mindfulness and Western Buddhism. Diversity is a cornerstone of our approach. We believe that by disentangling mindfulness from its Buddhist associations, we can make it more accessible and inclusive. Mindfulness, in its purest form, is a universal practice that can benefit people from all walks of life. By ensuring its independence from any specific religious or cultural ties, we open the doors for people from various political, religious, and non-religious backgrounds to embrace it without feeling conflicted or alienated. Our primary goal is to uphold and safeguard the integrity of both mindfulness and Buddhism. To achieve this, it's crucial for teachers and the broader movement to appreciate and respect the distinction and function independently from Western Buddhist interpretations. In essence, we're working towards a future where both mindfulness and Western Buddhism can thrive in their authentic forms, reaching and benefiting a more diverse audience. I hope this provides a clearer picture of our intentions, and I remain open to further discussions and feedback. - Mo (the founder)