The Business of Mindfulness

The popularity of mindfulness continue to grow in the US. This is mainly as a byproduct of the rise of Buddhism in America concurrently. There is concern that mindfulness is simply a way to commodify Buddhism charging for its benefits. Being a Buddhist ,and a social worker, I can appreciate that fine line. The techniques used in mindfulness are certainly drawn from Buddhism, but even Buddhism has depended on the resources of the society it serves throughout history.

“Of the $34 billion Americans spent on alternative medicine in 2009, $4.2 billion — about 12 percent — was spent in sectors that included mindfulness concepts, such as meditation-related classes or relaxation techniques, according to federal data. Participation in meditation therapy by U.S. adults rose 6 percent a year on average from 2002 to 2007, according to a study by the research group SRI International.”

Mindfulness research continue to grow and we can safely say that it is here to stay. The articles describes it’s use in military and prison settings to help individuals under extreme distress. Regardless, I think the important point here is that the attitude of the helping professional will determine the nature of the relationship. If the practitioner does not train extensively in the techniques and background they employ, they will be no more than carnival magicians selling magic potions. A Buddhist Master can take advantage of their students just as easily as a mindfulness therapist and history is littered with examples of just that. Buddhism has its own code of ethics, the Precepts, just as social work has its Code of Ethics. It is crucial that these standards are maintained to ensure the authenticity, and safety, of the practices advocated. The key to ethical practice is having standards one is expected to follow. Mindfulness is skirting expected standards because of it youth in practice, but standards will emerge.