Hume's Sensory Experience and the [Original] Practice of Mindfulness
David Hume’s concept of sensory experience, where knowledge arises from raw sensory data, closely relates to the effects of external senses in the original practice of mindfulness, as taught in Buddhist teachings. Hume argued that all understanding is grounded in sensory impressions, the immediate input from our senses, which form the basis for all thoughts and beliefs. This idea is echoed in the Buddhist practice of Satipatthāna, which emphasizes observing one’s external and internal states through direct, unfiltered attention. In this context, mindfulness involves paying close attention to sensory experiences without judgment or distraction, thus purifying the mind.
Both Hume’s philosophy and original mindfulness practices place great value on direct, sensory experience as a means of attaining clear and accurate knowledge. For example, in mindfulness, external sensations—such as sounds, sights, or bodily feelings—are observed as they arise, fostering awareness of the present moment. Similarly, Hume’s approach highlights how sensory data, when attentively received, can provide a more truthful understanding of reality.
