Bhikkhu Upananda

In Buddhism, mindfulness can be understood in two ways: wholesome (good) mindfulness and unwholesome (bad) mindfulness. Unwholesome mindfulness is directly connected to greed, anger, and delusion. For example, a person may use mindfulness to concentrate intensely on harmful actions such as killing or shooting. In this case, mindfulness is present, but it is guided by unwholesome intentions. Wholesome mindfulness, on the other hand, depends on discipline and right understanding. It is rooted in non-greed, non-anger, and non-delusion. Through wholesome mindfulness, we can help others, reduce suffering, and bring peace into difficult situations. Often, a mindful presence and a non-attached smile are enough to ease the problems of others. Therefore, it is important not only to be mindful, but to be mindful in the right way.

In Buddhism, downfall does not happen suddenly—it grows from repeated unwholesome habits. Excessive attachment to sleep weakens vigilance (pamāda). Foolish and careless speech clouds wisdom. Idleness and lack of effort destroy right striving (sammā vāyāma). Anger burns merit and blinds the mind. When these qualities dominate, one slowly moves away from the Noble Path and toward suffering. Mindfulness, effort, wise speech, and patience are the remedies that protect one from decline and lead toward liberation. Hashtags: #buddhism #buddhistwisdom #dhamma #mindfulness #right_effort #right_speech #anger #laziness #heedfulness #pathofpractice #mentaldiscipline #innerwork #spiritualgrowth #noblepath #selfawareness