"Mindfulness is not just a word or a discourse by the Buddha, but a meaningful state of mind. It means we have to be here now, in this very moment, and we have to know what is happening internally and externally. It means being alert to our motives and learning to change unwholesome thoughts and emotions into wholesome ones. Mindfulness is a mental activity that in due course eliminates all suffering."

-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"

Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
Reprinted from Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations ,
edited by Josh Bartok, with permission of Wisdom Publications,
199 Elm St., Somerville MA 02144 U.S.A,
www.wisdompubs.org .