A history and the state of the art of mindfulness

Abstract

Mindfulness is a form of contemplative practice that has its roots in Theravāda Buddhist meditation. Since its introduction in the West in the early 1970s, mindfulness has gained enormous popularity, especially as a “novel form” of a health-enhancing protocol. In this article, I review its global history, theoretical tenets, available empirical evidence, and emerging controversies surrounding mindfulness. I then provide recommendations for its sound development in Japan.