Final answer:
The historical perspective on mindful meditation does consider ego-based thoughts as clouds that obscure reality, an analogy used within various mindfulness traditions to emphasize the importance of present awareness without judgment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that historical perspective on mindful meditation suggests ego-based thoughts are compared to clouds that obscure the view of reality is true. Such an analogy has been used within various mindfulness traditions to illustrate how personal thoughts and emotions can prevent individuals from seeing situations as they actually are.
In these traditions, mindfulness is seen as a way of cultivating a state of awareness where thoughts are acknowledged but not clung to, allowing a more objective perception of the present moment. The cloud analogy serves to help practitioners recognize the transient nature of their thoughts and to encourage the clear seeing of reality without the distraction of the ego.
When practicing mindful meditation, the individual aims to maintain a calm awareness, focusing on the present and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. This helps in developing a deeper understanding of one's mind and life experiences.