Here is how I would update Mindfulness in the theory of the Liquid (Holobiont) Learner:
Zhuangzi's philosophy, rooted in Daoism, offers a unique perspective on the mind and consciousness that differs from Cartesian thinking. While Cartesian dualism posits a separation between mind and body, Zhuangzi's ideas suggest a more integrated and fluid understanding. To update mindfulness from Zhuangzi's point of view, consider the following concepts:
1. Flowing with Dao:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi emphasizes flowing with the Dao, the natural way of things, rather than imposing a rigid structure on experience.
- Mindfulness Update: Instead of a static focus on the mind, encourage individuals to cultivate a state of flowing mindfulness. This involves being attuned to the present moment, allowing thoughts and sensations to flow naturally, and aligning with the spontaneous rhythm of the Dao.
2. No Fixed Center:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi challenges the notion of a fixed self or center. He uses the metaphor of the "pivot" to suggest that there is no permanent center.
- Mindfulness Update: Shift the focus from a fixed center of awareness to a dynamic, ever-changing awareness. Mindfulness, in this sense, becomes an exploration of the fluid nature of consciousness without clinging to a fixed point of reference.
3. Harmony with the Whole:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi's philosophy advocates for living in harmony with the entire cosmos.
- Mindfulness Update: Expand the scope of mindfulness to include not only individual thoughts and sensations but also the interconnectedness with the external world. Mindfulness becomes a practice of aligning one's with the larger flow of existence.
4. Spontaneous Naturalness:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi values spontaneous naturalness and criticizes artificial efforts to control or manipulate reality.
- Mindfulness Update: Encourage a mindfulness practice that embraces the natural spontaneity of thoughts and experiences. Rather than trying to control the mind, individuals learn to observe and accept the ebb and flow of thoughts without judgment.
5. Embracing Transformation:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi emphasizes the inevitability of change and transformation.
- Mindfulness Update: Shift mindfulness from a static state to a process of constant transformation. Mindfulness involves embracing the ever-changing nature of thoughts, feelings, and experiences without resistance.
6. Non-Attachment to States:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi discourages attachment to particular states or experiences.
- Mindfulness Update: Instead of seeking a particular state of mindfulness, encourage a non-attached awareness. Mindfulness becomes a state of being open to whatever arises in the present moment without fixating on achieving a specific mental state.
7. Dynamic Stillness:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi speaks of a dynamic stillness, where one can find tranquility even in the midst of activity.
- Mindfulness Update: Redefine stillness as a dynamic state within mindfulness. Even in the midst of the mind's activities, individuals can find a tranquil center by cultivating an awareness that is not disturbed by external or internal fluctuations.
8. Egoless Awareness:
- Zhuangzi's Influence: Zhuangzi challenges the ego-centric view of the self.
- Mindfulness Update: Shift mindfulness from an ego-centric awareness to an egoless awareness. Mindfulness involves observing thoughts without reinforcing a strong sense of a separate and enduring self.
Updating mindfulness from Zhuangzi's point of view involves moving away from a Cartesian dualistic perspective and embracing a more integrated, flowing, and dynamic understanding of consciousness. It encourages individuals to cultivate a mindfulness practice that aligns with the spontaneous nature of the Dao and the interconnected web of existence.
I think that you have posted an answer to your question that would be hard to improve on!
Perhaps your view of mindfulness is more in the framework of western, self-help oriented formulations rather than the practice of Right Mindfulness that is only one of the elements of the eightfold noble path. Even the term itself alerts us that there must be, as a corollary, Wrong Mindfulness! The sort of mindfulness that personalises, privatises and monetise oppression and exploitation, that allows people to fire artillery shells at apartment blocks and feel good about themselves.
Many of the Zhuangzi influences you cite are present in other elements of the eightfold path. Harmony with the cosmos is very much part of Right Insight, the insight of interdependent co-arising, or, as Thich Nhat Hanh puts it, of interbeing. Likewise, other very strong links exist with the zen concepts of signlessness, aimlessness and selflessness.
Certainly, zen does not support a distinction between mind and body. Mindfulness is one of the seeds of consciousness, and does not presuppose a separate entity called mind. In fact, the idea of separate entities runs contrary to the idea of emptiness. Emptiness is, of course, emptiness of something. Mind and body are made of non-mind and non-body elements. They are a configuration of these elements, not a separate entity.
Oh dear. This discussion is really better had over a large supply of beverages!
Thank you for such an interesting and important question. May I wish you every success with it. In a way, the question is better than any answer you might come up with!
Ronán Michael Conroy lots to think about, thanks for your detailed response. Will get back to you after nutting over your points.
Ronán Michael Conroy think I would definitely take up your suggestion regarding large supply of beverages!
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