The History of Mindfulness (from a Modern Zen perspective)

In this 11-part study series, Zen master Daizan Skinner takes you on a deep-dive into the origins of the modern mindfulness movement as seen through the lens of modern Zen.

Over the series, he traces the development of mindfulness through the Buddhist tradition, starting from the Buddha, through the various schools and philosophies that have contributed significantly over the centuries, up to the development of the scientific approach in Japan and the West over the last few decades. The series concludes with an exploration of the orientations of the different modern secular and non-secular schools based on their intention and focus.

To watch a sample video, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Is this for me?

You will gain a wide-ranging depth of knowledge about the roots of the modern mindfulness movement. Over five themes, Daizan will fill out your understanding of how the different philosophical threads, influences and experiences have come together to inform how people perceive, practice and teach mindfulness these days. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive view of how the tradition and practice of “mindfulness” sits within the modern spiritual milieu.

Of tremendous value to any student of mindfulness – whether you’re a scholar, practitioner or teacher.

“As a mindfulness, meditation teacher, and transformation coach, I found “The History of Mindfulness” series an invaluable resource. Daizan’s deep dive into the historical and philosophical roots of mindfulness, from the Buddha to contemporary practices, provides a comprehensive understanding that is fascinating, enlightening and transformative. For anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of mindfulness, this series is a must-watch! It not only enriches your understanding of the practice but also enhances your ability to teach and guide others in their mindfulness journey.”

– Cerri

Series content

Each video is a deeply researched and clearly presented dive into each topic. Great to watch, or to listen to like a podcast. Total running time 11hrs 20mins.

The pioneers of mindfulness

1. The Buddha
   Here Daizan explores the earliest sources of information on the Buddha, including texts, inscriptions, and archaeological findings. He delves into the historical context of the Buddha’s life, including his encounters with other spiritual movements like Jainism and Ajivika, and details the unique aspects of the Buddha’s teachings particularly relating to mindfulness. Key points include the principles of the middle way, impermanence, no-self, and suffering, and the significance of mindfulness (sati) in Buddhist practice. He also discusses notable historical figures and developments, such as King Ashoka’s promotion of Buddhism and the interaction between different schools of thought within the shramana culture.

2. The Theravada School
   Daizan starts by describing how the first ruler who unified the Indian sub-continent, King Ashoka, played a significant role in spreading Buddhism across India. After Ashoka, Buddhism split into various schools, and Daizan particularly highlights the Theravada and the parallel Sarvastivada. He discusses the diversity of approaches that developed within the Theravada school, including the much later development of the Vipassana movement in Burma, and the impact of figures like Mahasi Sayadaw in promoting meditation and mindfulness practices based on Abidharma principles. Daizan concludes by noting the ongoing debate within Theravada about the relevance of Abidharma, capturing the foundational influence it has on modern mindfulness movements.

Early developments and philosophical perspectives

3. The Mahayana School
   Daizan outlines the historical roots of Mahayana (great vehicle) school, its visionary practice texts, and introduces key philosophical figures like Nagarjuna and his Middle Way (Madhyamaka) doctrine that emphasises emptiness (sunyata). He contrasts the development of the Mahayana that holds up the Bodhisattva-ideal, compassion and collective awakening vs. the Hinayana (small vehicle) school’s focus on individual practice. Additionally, he outlines the Yogacara school philosophy and its influence on meditation, mindfulness, and broader Buddhist teachings.

4. The Kegon School
   Kegon is the Japanese term for ‘Flower Garland,’ relating to the Avatamsaka Sutra and the school that grew up around it. The sutra depicts a holographic universe filled with countless Buddhas, emphasising an interdependent reality where each part mirrors the whole. In this video Daizan examines key Chinese and Japanese teachings from the Kegon, alongside modern parallels like the internet. The text serves as mindfulness practice, aiming to expand the reader’s perception beyond fixed views. Influences on Zen and the philosophy underlying it are highlighted, and the sutra’s enduring transformative power is emphasized.

5. Tathargatagarbha Philosophy
   Garbha means ‘womb’ or ’embryo,’ and refers to our potential to become Buddha. Originating from early yogic experiences, this concept symbolises a new life or ‘spiritual pregnancy’ within practitioners. In this video Daizan describes the main teachings of the Tathargatagarbha philosophy which emphasises the inherent Buddha nature in all beings – contrasting with the nihilistic view of emptiness. He also discusses its significant influence on Zen Buddhism and early mindfulness practices, illustrating diverse interpretations across Buddhist history.

The schools of Zen

6. The Soto School
   Daizan discusses the evolution of Zen Buddhism, highlighting its origins in China and its early development into Northern and Southern schools. Whereas the Northern school eventually died out, the Southern School evolved into five key lineages: Hogen, Igyo, Ummon, Rinzai and Soto. Here Daizan describes the development of the Soto school and details the life and teachings of prominent Soto Zen figures, including Master Tozan and Master Dogen who emphasised zazen and the concept of ‘silent illumination.’ These days, he highlights, the Soto school has widespread influence across Japan and the West.

7. The Rinzai School
   In this video, Daizan traces the Zen lineage from Bodhidharma, who brought Zen from India to China, through figures like Baso, Hyakujo, and Rinzai, highlighting significant shifts in meditation practices and teachings that came to form the Rinzai school. He examines some of the dynamic methods developed and employed by various masters to precipitate insights and awakening. He also highlights notable characters such as the influential Zen nun Miaodao and teachers like Bankei and Hakuin, emphasising their contributions to modern Zen practices, particularly mindfulness, meditation, and energetic training.

Moving into modern times

8. The Growth Movement of the 60s and 70s
   Daizan focuses his lens on some major developments that took place in the 1960s and 70s, including the writings and research by Charles Tart on altered states of consciousness and William James on ‘religious experiences’. He goes on to outline the contributions of Pali scholar T. W. Rhys Davids (who was the first to translate ‘sati’ as mindfulness) and Burmese meditation teachers like Mahasi Sayadaw and U Ba Khin. He then highlights the spread of mindfulness to the West through contemporary figures like Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh and of course Jon Kabat-Zinn and his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme.

9. The Beginnings of the Scientific Approach in Japan
   Daizan details the early scientific exploration of mindfulness and meditation in Japan, starting with Hara Tanzen, a Soto Zen monk who combined his knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, Eastern medicine, and Western medical models. Tanzen was one of the first to adopt a scientific approach to meditation, emphasising experimental investigation. He then goes on to explore the influence of D.T. Suzuki, who integrated Zen principles with Western thought, and the pioneering EEG studies by researchers such as Toh Rei and Akira Kasamatsu on brainwaves during meditation. These efforts laid the groundwork for modern scientific studies of mindfulness.

10. The Beginnings of the Scientific Approach in the West
    Daizan begins by exploring the introduction of mindfulness to the West through events like the World Parliament of Religions inn 1893 and movements like Theosophy. He touches on key studies, such as Jon Kabat-Zinn’s work on pain management published in the 1980s, that showcase the positive effects of meditation on mental and physical health. He goes on to describe how a whole slew of modern research has begun to highlight how mindfulness can bring major improvements in depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and social behaviour.

Mindfulness in context

11. Secular vs Non-Secular Orientations and Implications
    Daizan explores secular (i.e. outside traditional Buddhist contexts) and non-secular (within a religious tradition) practices, further categorising practices into insight-oriented and non-insight-oriented, forming a matrix with four quadrants, drawing out and discussing examples of each. He critiques each approach, including concerns about elitism, commercialisation, and the potential disconnect when deracination (taken away from its cultural roots) occurs. Finishing on a positive note, he observes that the influence and cross-pollination of all these practices can be deeply beneficial.
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About Daizan Skinner

After two decades as a monk, first the Soto Zen school and later the Rinzai school, Julian Daizan Skinner received Dharma Transmission and permission to teach in both lineages of Zen. Daizan has created and taught the Zenways meditation and mindfulness teacher training course for 15 years, and has recently added a third module to the course, making it one of the most in-depth courses available worldwide. He has led the Zenways sangha since its foundation in 2007, and is the author of a number of books on Zen meditation and Zen yoga, including “Practical Zen: Meditation and Beyond” (2017), “Practical Zen for Health, Wealth and Mindfulness” (2018) and “Practical Zen Yoga” (2023).