Attention Quote by Peter Matthiessen
“The purpose of meditation practice is not enlightenment; it is to pay attention even at extraordinary times, to be of the present, nothing-but-in-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 goal isn’t enlightenment but sustained present‑moment awareness, applying mindfulness to everyday events.
In simple terms: Mindfulness applies to daily life, not just enlightenment.
Key Takeaway
Practice present‑moment attention daily.
Themes
mindfulness
meditation
presence
everyday life
Mood
calm
focused
Type
practical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- stress reduction
- daily routines
- personal growth
Key Concepts
psychology
spiritual practice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you embed mindfulness into routine tasks?
- What obstacles hinder present‑moment awareness?
A Different Perspective
May be challenging to maintain consistently.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
