Orthodox prayer and buddhist mindfulness
By Fr. Brendan Pelphrey
Thank you for the invitation to take part in this weeks’ conference. My task is
to compare the Orthodox tradition of silent prayer, or “watchfulness” (nipsis),
as described by the Hesychasts, with the Buddhist practice of “mindfulness”
(sati) in its various traditions, as we explore how these things may be
beneficial to healing. To be done well I believe the topic would require
someone who is experienced in monastic life, whether Orthodox Christian or
Buddhist, or both.
