Defined as distinct steps, but considered as leading to or supporting each other. Right mindfulness defines the environment in which mental happiness arises starts the process of deep concentration (or single mindedness citass'ekaggata):
Here is a link to a more experiential summary of this psychological interplay between effort->prolonged attention through retention (aka 'mindfulness', lit. sati) -> concentration:
The article equates them in the sense of "not being distracted" ... I think it's correct enough. You can work on them separately, or at the same time. Concentration practice develops mindfulness as a side effect, and vice versa. You can't get very far in meditation without both.
to answer GP's question, concentration requires the ability to notice distractions right as they pop up and avoid getting spun out.
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In Buddhism, concentration and mindfulness are considered to be distinct concepts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Path#Sam.C4.81d...
Defined as distinct steps, but considered as leading to or supporting each other. Right mindfulness defines the environment in which mental happiness arises starts the process of deep concentration (or single mindedness citass'ekaggata):
"Samma-satissa samma-samadhi pahoti" - In him who has right mindfulness, right concentration progresses. [http://www.bps.lk/olib/wh/wh171-p.html#T119]
Here is a link to a more experiential summary of this psychological interplay between effort->prolonged attention through retention (aka 'mindfulness', lit. sati) -> concentration:
http://theravadin.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/surfing-on-the-wa...
They are not concepts. They are different skills and practices that are related to each other. They are things to do or be, not things to think about.
The article equates them in the sense of "not being distracted" ... I think it's correct enough. You can work on them separately, or at the same time. Concentration practice develops mindfulness as a side effect, and vice versa. You can't get very far in meditation without both.
to answer GP's question, concentration requires the ability to notice distractions right as they pop up and avoid getting spun out.