Meditation vs Mindfulness: What’s the Real Difference?

On the surface, mindfulness and meditation seem similar, but at a deeper level, they are quite distinct. In fact, a study from Michigan State University in the United States found that meditation can improve emotional health regardless of a person’s “natural ability” to be mindful.

Here are some thoughts on this.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of being, such that we are mindful of our speech, conduct, and actions. For example, being concerned whether our actions might potentially hurt or harm someone, or being aware of our surroundings.

Being at peace with our surroundings is a form of mindfulness (Credit: Unsplash.com)

The teachings of Falun Dafa have a focus on “cultivation” of the mind. What is cultivation? As a practitioner of Falun Dafa, I believe that cultivation is a process of continually improving oneself so that one can attain spiritual perfection. In doing so, we assimilate to the universe's characteristics, Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance). We thus strive to be the best selves we can be and cultivate our heart, mind, and body. Read What do Falun Gong (Falun Dafa) practitioners believe?

So how do we cultivate the heart and mind? We focus on our xinxing (a Chinese word for heart and mind nature/moral character), we practise compassion, we do our best to be mindful of our speech, and we practise restraint – while always looking within for any shortcomings. Inthis way, we improve ourselves from the inside out.

Then how do we cultivate the body? We do this through the five sets of meditation exercises. We strengthen and purify our bodies, open our energy channels and enrich our minds. As a result, we improve holistically.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is usually an activity we perform to train our brains to attain attention and awareness, and to also achieve an emotionally calm and stable state.

In the effort to balance the mind and body, meditation also requires mindfulness, so that we can find peace within ourselves. For instance, when one lets go of selfish desires and always considers others first, one often discovers that true happiness lies within – and as one's character elevates, the ability to concentrate during meditation improves accordingly.

A Falun Gong practitioner performs the final part of the third exercise, Penetrating the two cosmic extremes. (Credit: Armstrong Lazenby)

In the practice of Falun Dafa, we learn that our ability to achieve concentration in meditation is related to how much we are attached to various desires and distractions. As we remove these attachments, our concentration also improves.

You can learn more about the teachings of Falun Dafa here.

The Chinese word wuwei refers to practising in a state of no intention. When meditating, practicing wuwei is key to resting our thoughts; it teaches our brains to become quiet while being aware of our thoughts and emotions at the same time.

In this overstimulated and materialistic world, meditation can truly calm the mind and soul from within. However, not everyone has the ability to concentrate right away, so meditation requires willpower. Historically, monks would meditate in monasteries and have meditation halls in order to create an environment free of distraction. They would stay away from society, as their goal was to sever all worldly attachments.

A monk living in seclusion (Credit: Unsplash.com)

Mindfulness and meditation - the main differences

Ultimately, while mindfulness and meditation are connected through spiritual advancement in the mind and body, they have different purposes. Whilst mindfulness is needed in meditation, the opposite is not necessarily true. However, if one practices both simultaneously, I would say that is the best way to enrich yourself.

A Falun Gong practitioner performs the second part of the fifth exercise, Strengthening divine powers. (Credit: Armstrong Lazenby)

If you are interested in learning more about Falun Dafa meditation, Falun Dafa volunteers are currently holding free online classes where you can learn the exercises from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer, internet, and of course yourself. Feel free to register your interest here.

Be sure to stay tuned for more posts.

‘Learn Falun Gong—Australia’ is a website run by Australian Falun Dafa volunteers for the benefit of the general public.