Free your mind: Mindfulness practice of Buddhist philosophy.

Buddhism is a way of life,[1] which has its roots in India.[2] It primarily focuses on nurturing a healthy mind.[3] Modern day psychiatry incorporates various Buddhist concepts in different therapeutic practices; one of which is mindfulness. Mindfulness has been elaborated in detail in the Buddhist text “Satipatthana Sutta.”[4] Eastern traditions had a great influence on Dick Price who developed Gestalt practice, which incorporates principles of mindfulness meditation.[5] It is also central to dialectical behavioral therapy developed by Linehan et al.[6] and mindfulness-based stress reduction developed by Kabat-Zinn.[7] There is evidence supporting mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for treatment of depression[8] and obsessive–compulsive disorder.[9] It can be effective in chronic and terminal illnesses as well.[1] It is definitely an effective technique for therapy and can aid in cultivating positive mental health in normal individuals.

In the painting, Lord Buddha is meditating under the sacred tree. Apparently, the falling leaves signify “silently letting thoughts pass by.” The inner meaning is focus on self despite being in the midst of vagaries of life. One can go a long way in life by practicing self-reflection. Lotuses here signify “detachment” of oneself from thoughts.

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