This reminds me of how forgetful we are as a species. The stuff in this article was figured out thousands of years ago and now is being presented almost as if it's something new. It also reminds me that for all of our technological prowess, we still haven't mastered the no-tech fundamentals of dealing with life as human beings.
Sometimes those who are most in need of this wisdom are least willing to accept it in its traditional forms. Presenting mindfulness in a form that can reach the people who are not easily moved by the older forms of "evangelism" (e.g. monks living in poverty in a monastery, doing good works in their community) seems to me like a highly worthwhile pursuit. [EDIT] ... yes, even if the concealed motive is to sell copies…
That was hardly the only motive, even if the primary one. Easing the suffering in the world was also a primary driver, as were a pethora of other, just as, or much less, worthy goals.