Buddhism Quote by Peter Matthiessen
““The purpose of meditation practice is not enlightenment; it is to pay attention even at unextraordinary times, to be of present, nothing-but-the-present, to bear this mindfulness of now into each event of ordinary life.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, 1978
Meditation’s aim is not mystical enlightenment but sustained, ordinary‑moment awareness that informs daily life.
In simple terms: Meditation helps you stay present in everyday moments.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful attention in all tasks.
Themes
mindfulness
presence
everyday life
attention
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- working
- eating
- walking
- interacting with others
Key Concepts
Buddhist practice
consciousness
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you bring present‑moment focus to a routine task?
- What obstacles arise when trying to stay mindful?
A Different Perspective
Mindfulness can be hard to maintain when life feels chaotic.
![“The extraction of discrete parts of Chöd teachings from their broader philosophical contexts is symptomatic of how Chöd has been incorporated into and transmitted through other Tibetan Buddhist lineages. For example [...] Chöd practices gradually merged with pre-existing models of deity yoga, such…” quote by Michelle Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b05/michelle-sorensen-60370_2013_the-extraction-of-discrete-parts-of-ch-d_4303.jpg)
