Wise Attention Blog
Wise Attention includes 20 years of writing exploring what it means to practice Buddhism, mindfulness and ethics in the modern world. You’ll find reviews, talks, interviews, broadcasts and reflection on the arts as well as reflections on the Buddha and Buddhist teachings
Mindfulness and Mental Health
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on mindfulness. What’s the connection between an ancient Buddhist practice and modern mental health needs?
Responding With Compassion
We often turn away from the suffering around us or in the news. But, following the Nepalese earthquake, what happens when we open up?
Living With Change
Everything changes all the time. Here are some practices that can help us confront that and engage with it creatively
Service is Worth More than Money
Public fury at politicians are on the make shows that we want them to serve, not profit. Thats an inkling of the Buddhist practice of dedicating one’s whole life to serving all beings
Remembering Marshall Rosenberg
Marshall Rosenberg died on Saturday 7 February, 2015. He was the originator of Nonviolent Communication, a creative approach that is used in education, conflict resolution and mediation. In 2002 Vishvapani met him to discuss his work to promote tolerance and understanding worldwide
Restoring Criminal Justice
Our Criminal Justice System is under pressure and failing to stop reoffending. As Vishvapani is learning through working in this field, mindfulness and Buddhist principles offer the basis of an alternative approach
Professionalising Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaching is becoming a profession. As interest grows exponentially, much is being asked of a grass-roots movement. How can mindfulness teaching retain its integrity, avoid the pitfalls of professionalisation?
Launch of Mindful Nation UK : Interim Report of the Mindfulness All Party Parliamentary Group (MAPPG)
The Mindfulness All Party Parliamentary Group (MAPPG) launched its interim report in the UK’s Westminster parliament, proposing how public policy can help make us a more ‘Mindful Nation’.
Appreciating Vajraloka
Vajraloka Meditation Retreat Centre is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to meditate in beautiful and deeply tranquil surroundings. Little known outside The Triratna Buddhist Community, Vajraloka is one of the UK’s longest-established Buddhist retreat centres.
Vishvapani
I live in Cardiff, UK, with my wife and son and most of my work as a teacher and writer is focused on Buddhism and mindfulness. I discovered meditation and Buddhism when I was 14 and became a Buddhist soon after. My Buddhist practice since 1980 has been focused on the Triratna Buddhist Order and I became a member of the Order in 1992.
The Pakistan Massacre and the Spiral of Violence
What are the ultimate causes of the Pakistan school massacre, and how can we how can we stop violence proliferating – in our minds and in the world?
The Mindfulness Initiative & the Mindfulness All Party Parliamentary Group
The Mindfulness Initiative & the Mindfulness All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). How mindfulness can benefit British society, and how public policy can support its development
Kisagotami
Kisagotami lost her child and went mad. The Buddha’s skilful teaching helped her see a wider truth
The Obesity Crisis: What are the Roots of Good Health?
The UK faces an obesity crisis. But what are the underlying causes of poor health and what conduces to flourishing?
Execution Videos: the Medium and the Message
Following the execution of journalist James Foley by ISIS the video was posted online. Foley is the victim, but not the target. We are. The horror and revulsion most of us naturally feel at these images has been calculated and prompted. How can we engage responsibly with the world of images?
When We Suffer We Need Calm, Perspective and Kind Words
In the wake of Robin Williams’ suicide, we’re talking more about mental illness and distress. Here’s how mindfulness can help in working with difficult mental states.
Playing is a Serious Business
Play is important for children and adults too. What would it be like if everything you did felt like play?
Sexual Abuse is Society’s Shadow
Stories of sexual abuse are everywhere in British life. We need to do more than condemn this behaviour. We must acknowledge it as the shadow side our society