Dr. David L. Collins looks at the noticeable increase in studies of mindfulness and meditation in recent years and provides a compact overview on the history of mindfulness. Read on.

Collins wraps up his critical look by recognizing that “a particularly beneficial effect of mindfulness practice is the way it can help us to remember that we don’t know everything.” He brings his blog to a close by sharing a thought provoking koan:

The 10th century Chinese Zen student Fayan was on his pilgrimage. During a rainstorm he put up at the temple of a Zen priest named Dizang. The next morning, as he was getting ready to leave and continue his pilgrimage, Dizang asked him, “What’s the purpose of pilgrimage?” Fayan paused and answered, “I don’t know.” Dizang said, “Not knowing is closest to it.” Fayan had an awakening.
(cf. The Book of Equanimity, koan case 20)