Last update: June 20, 2018
The quotes on full consciousness (mindfulness) come mainly from Buddhism, the philosophical and religious doctrine in which this concept was born. Full consciousness is also called full attention or pure consciousness.
Full consciousness is defined as a spiritual state of absolute concentration on the present. It requires a concentration of all the senses towards the reality that is being lived and is the result of meditation. It implies a connection with silence, the personal intimate space starting from a conscious state.
"Be the witness of your thoughts."
-Buddha-
Full consciousness quotes purport to explain the details of this particular state. Their goal is mainly didactic, as it is a complex concept that can only be understood by living it. In any case, the statements of the great masters help to clarify the subject.
Quotes about full consciousness
1. The abandonment of thinking
Osho was a famous philosopher and mystic. To him we owe many of the great quotes about full consciousness. Although he was a controversial figure, much of the contemporary literature on full consciousness develops from his famous reflections.
This text by Osho describes the state of full consciousness very well: “By being conscious of it, thoughts begin to fade. We must not clash with them. Knowing them is enough to destroy them. And when the mind is empty, the temple is ready. And inside the temple, the only god worth letting in is silence. So, here are the three words you need to remember: relaxation, recklessness, silence. And if these words are not only words for you, but are transformed into experience, your life will be transformed ”.
2. Quote from the Dalai Lama on full consciousness
Here is one of the phrases on full conscience uttered by the Dalai Lama himself: “For this, we cannot take out insurance; the insurance company is in self-discipline, self-awareness and a clear understanding of the disadvantages of anger and the positive effects of goodness ”.
The Dalai Lama uttered these words during a speech on safety, guarantees in life and how to prevent catastrophes and great evils. It reminds us that it depends on our inner baggage and not on external circumstances.
3. Compassion
Compassion is a central value of Buddhism. Much of this philosophy is dedicated to cultivating goodness and fraternity, considered superior virtues because they contain many others and are the result of long and constant work.
This quote from Thomas Merton perfectly describes the idea of ​​Buddhist compassion and its relationship with full consciousness: “The idea of ​​compassion is based on an acute awareness of the interdependence of all living beings, which are part of each other and all in relationship ". Full consciousness also consists in understanding, accepting and respecting this mutual interdependence.
It must be remembered that for Buddhism all forms of life are worthy, from that of an insect to that of a human. Compassion, therefore, cannot be exercised only among peers, but with every form of life existing in nature.
4. Daily actions and conscience
Full consciousness is not achieved by retiring to meditate in a monastery for years. It is always possible to access this fullness through the simplest daily gestures. Osho reminds us of this, who states: “Walk, but walk meditating, consciously and breathe, let your breathing become a constant meditation; breathe consciously. Breathing comes in: look at it. The breath comes out: look at it. Eat, but do it with a full conscience. Take a bite, chew, but keep looking. Let the observer be present at all times, whatever you are doing ”.
This staying in the present and refining all the senses to feel the moment you are living begins by becoming aware of even the smallest and apparently insignificant action. Buddha asks us to be perennial observers of ourselves.
5. Conscience and happiness
Full consciousness is the result of constant observation, of the persevering effort to put aside thoughts, feelings, impulses, dedicating oneself to contemplation. In contemplation everyone finds himself with the universe. And this meeting generates harmony and happiness.
Osho puts it this way: “Consciousness is the most prestigious alchemy that exists. Become more and more aware, and you will see that your life will change for the better in all possible dimensions. You will experience great satisfaction ".
While many Western philosophers view consciousness as a source of unhappiness, Buddhist philosophy sees it to be exactly the opposite. This is due to the fact that the Western conscience is based on reason, while the Eastern one is based on spirituality, silence and the absence of thought.
All these phrases about full consciousness show us that we still have a lot to learn from Eastern philosophies and that there are other ways, besides personal success, to achieve well-being. These enlightening teachings are welcome.
