How Does Buddhist Contemplative Space Facilitate the Practice of Mindfulness?

Chen, Anran; Porter, Nicole; Tang, Yue

Abstract

This paper examines the spaces where Buddhist spiritual activity—specifically mindfulness practice—takes place, exploring how contemporary urban Buddhist contemplative places may benefit people’s mindful experience. Historical Buddhist contemplative places are examined through a literature review of Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist architecture and landscape. A case study of Kagyu Samye Dzong London, UK (KSDL) in the contemporary western context is then presented, drawing upon mixed methods (qualitative spatial analysis, questionnaires with mindfulness practitioners, and an in-depth interview with the director of the Buddhist center). This study investigates the relationship between the Buddhist spiritual activity of mindfulness practice and one specific physical space, exploring how the KSDL has been designed and is used to facilitate such mindfulness awareness and insight. Results suggest that quiet, solitude, and the presence of nature are three tangible spatial qualities that can facilitate mindful practice to some extent. However, additional relational or intangible qualities, namely the presence of The Three Jewels and blessings, are equally if not more important when sustaining mindfulness for Buddhist practitioners, and these contemplative qualities are more than “spatial”. Both the physical tangible qualities and intangible qualities are indispensable in the contemplative space and in influencing one’s practice. Findings evidence the importance of physical design and space for supporting contemporary mindfulness practitioners, whilst acknowledging that mindfulness emanates from—and can ultimately be discovered from—within.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 6, 2022
• Online Publication Date: May 13, 2022
• Publication Date: May 13, 2022
• Deposit Date: May 6, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2022
• Journal: Religions
• Electronic ISSN: 2077-1444
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 5
• Article Number: 437
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13050437
• Keywords: Buddhism; contemplative space; mindfulness, architecture
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7956599
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/5/437