Significance of Mind wandering
Mind wandering in Buddhism describes the occurrence where a meditator's thoughts stray from their intended focus, necessitating a return to conscious awareness. This phenomenon highlights the challenge practitioners face in maintaining concentration during meditation sessions. Recognizing and redirecting these wandering thoughts is an essential aspect of mindfulness practice, allowing individuals to cultivate deeper awareness and presence.
Synonyms: Daydreaming, Distraction, Reverie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mind wandering'
In Buddhism, mind wandering is seen as a natural occurrence during meditation, where the practitioner's thoughts stray from their focus. It emphasizes the importance of redirecting attention back to awareness to cultivate mindfulness.
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The phenomenon where the practitioner’s thoughts drift away from the focus of meditation, requiring redirection back to awareness.[1]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A phenomenon accompanying distraction where the individual's thoughts revert to unrelated topics, as Nanda often thinks of Princess Janapada Kalyani.[2]