This talk will explore the true purpose of Buddhism and the practicality of mindfulness practice (sati) for the average lay person.Mindfulness is technique original to Buddhism that has, in recent times, become secularized like the Hindu practice of yoga. Instead of being a way to connect with the godhead, yoga has been reduced to a popular method to be physically fit. Likewise, many Americans tend to think of Buddhism not as a religion but as a set of techniques to deal with such mundane issues like stress, concentration, and general psychological happiness. This talk will address the way modernity has reduced Buddhism to a mere commodity consisting of a set of skills that foster even more self-attachment and suffering. This talk will be presented by dharma teacher, Shoju.