The Importance of Mindfulness | Lama Mipham

In the spirit of one dharma, I want to read something from a Tibetan text, just pointing to this and pointing to the importance of mindfulness. This is from a text called The Torch Which Dispels Darkness by Lama Mipham. The right way to investigate the nature of mind is not to perpetuate past thoughts, nor invite the arising of future thoughts, and to remain in the present in a balanced state. The mind should neither be distracted by outer objects nor excessively withdrawn in a state of apathy. Let the mind remain in a relaxed and open state. Just as a young child cannot be left on its own but needs the constant attention of his parents so he won't get lost, mindfulness is necessary so that the mind does not get lost in distraction. Awareness basically means freedom from clinging. If there is clinging, it is not awareness. It is discursive mind. Mindfulness is not something that is acquired right away. Perseverance is needed. It is necessary to be mindful not only while resting in the state of meditative evenness, but the mindfulness needs to be kept in any circumstances, while eating, while walking, etc. It is important to be constantly alert and vigilant in watching the condition of the mind. So every posture, whatever we're doing, can illuminate our understanding of the empty, open, non-clinging nature of awareness.