This is a commentary on the Satipatthana mindfulness meditation, an inquiry into the scope of their attention and the principal sources of its strength. Satipatthana, or the practice of mindfulness, was recommended by the Buddha for all who seek to grow spiritually, and eventually attain the realization of enlightenment. Buddhism itself is essentially a practical path, a system of physical and psychological techniques designed to bring about this realization. The method here described is the foundation of all Buddhist meditation practice. It is, however, not necessary for you to be a Buddhist in order to practice mindfulness. It does not matter whether you are a Christian, a Jew, or an atheist, as the purpose here is simply to expand your consciousness that bring you face to face with your mind. --- excerpt from book's Introduction
Venerable Nyanaponika Thera or Nyanaponika Mahathera was a German-born Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar who, after ordaining in Sri Lanka, later became the co-founder of the Buddhist Publication Society and author of numerous seminal books and articles on Theravada Buddhism. He mentored and taught a whole generation of Western Buddhist leaders such as Bhikkhu Bodhi.
Very short treatise on the benefits and reasons why mindfulness meditation (vipassana, bare attention) should be performed by those inclined or wishing to train the mind and live more skillfully.