Significance of Mindful

Mindful, as defined in Mahayana Buddhism, highlights the qualities of awareness and attentiveness in one's actions and thoughts, embodying the essence of the Buddha. In Theravada Buddhism, Mindful also emphasizes awareness and being fully present, particularly in interactions and while engaging with the Buddha's teachings. Both traditions stress the importance of mindfulness in everyday life and spiritual practice, showcasing its critical role in cultivating awareness and attentiveness to one's thoughts and actions.

Synonyms: Aware, Conscious, Attentive, Thoughtful, Reflective, Present, Alert, Engaged

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Mindful'

Buddhism Books

Mindful in Buddhism signifies a heightened state of awareness and attentiveness, encompassing the teachings of the Buddha, interactions, and the quality of being fully present in thoughts and actions, as exemplified by the Buddha himself.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The state of being aware and attentive, especially when considering the teachings and paths presented by the Buddha.[1] (2) The practice of being fully aware and present in interactions, especially when obliged to talk to women.[2]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The quality of being aware and fully present in one's thoughts and actions.[3]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The quality of being aware and attentive in one's actions and thoughts.[4] (2) The quality of being aware and attentive, which the Buddha embodies.[5]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.