Mindfulness psychology forms the basis of mindfulness development in therapy, developing into an innovative, easily learnable learning method. Mindfulness, or right mindfulness (Samma Sati), is a crucial part of Buddhist teachings, found in the Four Noble Truths, particularly in the Eightfold Path (Samma Sati), and also in all seven categories of factors conducive to enlightenment (Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma). Buddhist meditation practices are divided into two types: Samadhi meditation (concentration practice) and Vipassana meditation (mindfulness practice). These are all well-known concepts in Buddhist teachings. This article will discuss modern mindfulness in a psychological context, developed by pioneers such as Jon Kabat-Zinn and Siegel, and which is gaining widespread popularity in the West. In fact, it is based on Buddhist mindfulness, as teachers in this field have all studied under Buddhist masters, especially Tijanas Janta, Goenka, and Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. However, it possesses some interesting unique characteristics.

The main point of this article is to present the application of the aforementioned aspects of mindfulness psychology in conjunction with Thailand's own experience as a Theravada Buddhist country with a long understanding and practice of Buddhist teachings. The primary goal of mindfulness psychology is to make it accessible to everyone, without requiring adherence to Buddhist beliefs or Buddhist terminology. It emphasizes understanding leading to effective practice rather than relying solely on faith, making it suitable for those who may find traditional religious methods of mental development difficult to understand. The presentation is divided into five parts as follows:

In psychology, concentration and mindfulness are higher states of mind and the neuroscience of higher consciousness. Mainstream psychology focuses on the mental states we are currently using: basic consciousness, both resting (sleeping) and active (wakeful). A key characteristic of these states is their tendency to accumulate negative thoughts, which then become emotions and stress. For example, we often remember negative comments from people at home, even if they are mostly kind, doctors tend to remember their negative behaviors. Therefore, emotions and stress are normal for all of us. Mainstream psychology thus focuses on improving these basic states of consciousness to cope with emotions and stress, such as through positive thinking, stress relief, and problem-solving.

While higher mental states, both at rest (meditation) and at work (mindfulness), are characterized by calmness, stability, and balance, they do not accumulate negative thoughts. This allows for letting go, leading to stable and high-quality compassion and forgiveness (which are often absent during emotional and stressful situations).

In terms of psychopathology, emotions and stress, when combined with other factors, particularly genetics and learning in childhood, can lead to various psychiatric disorders. Effective treatment requires an integrated approach combining medical (medication) and psychosocial therapy, especially psychotherapy.

When considering psychotherapy based on these two mental states, it is found that mainstream psychotherapy focuses on improving fundamental mental health, particularly in three main approaches:

While mindfulness therapy focuses on developing higher levels of the mind, which, when trained effectively through meditation and mindful work, helps in controlling thoughts and emotions, and letting go when faced with difficulties, there are also psychotherapies that combine both approaches, such as ACT and DBT.

In neuroscience, there are findings supporting the idea that meditation/mindfulness is a higher state of mind. This is evident in the brainwave patterns during meditation; even in a waking state, the brainwaves exhibit a resting characteristic similar to that of sleep. During mindfulness practice, despite intense concentration, the brainwaves are not stressed (alpha) and show an increase in gamma waves, indicating focus and the coordinated functioning of various brain regions—a characteristic rarely found in basic states of mind.

Recent studies using fMRI and other techniques to visualize the actual activity of different parts of the brain have found that individuals who practice meditation/mindfulness experience significant brain changes. Specifically, the prefrontal lobe, associated with judgment and decision-making, shows increased activity; the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, associated with emotions, shows decreased activity; the cingulate garus shows increased activity indicating focus; and the insula, the part of the brain involved in autonomic bodily functions related to positive mental states such as empathy, becomes more active.