The Next Step Beyond Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help us become less reactive, less stressed, and more present. It can improve our relationships, help us sleep better, and bring more peace into our lives. But according to the Buddha, mindfulness was never the final destination. In this Dharma talk, we explore how Buddhism adapted as it spread through different cultures and how, in the West, mindfulness became closely intertwined with psychology, neuroscience, and self-improvement. While these approaches have brought tremendous benefit, they can sometimes leave out one of the Buddha's most profound and liberating teachings: the investigation into the nature of the self. We look at the difference between healing and freedom, why feeling better is not the same as liberation, and how the simple question, "To whom does this experience belong?" can radically change the way we relate to thoughts, emotions, and suffering.