Bases of Mindfulness (SA606)

Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was dwelling in Śrāvastī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park.

At that time, the Bhagavān told the bhikṣus, “There are four bases of mindfulness. What are these four? That is to say, [1] the base of mindfulness of the body, observing the body; [2] of sensation; [3] of the mind; and [4] the base of mindfulness of dharmas, observing dharmas. Thusly, bhikṣus, these four bases of mindfulness are cultivated to fulfillment. With ardency, mindfulness, and awareness, they should be learned.”

After the Buddha had spoken this sūtra, then the bhikṣus heard what the Buddha had said, and joyfully practiced in accordance.

Translated from Sanskrit to Chinese by Guṇabhadra.

Translated from Chinese to English by J. Pierquet.

Published in 2016 by Lapis Lazuli Texts, where this and other translations are available in a variety of formats.

Lapis Lazuli Texts was started as an original effort aiming to translate a selection of important texts from the Chinese Buddhist canon into English. These translations are being made for the express purpose of universal free distribution, and may be integrated into any collection of texts with little difficulty. Additionally, these translations are made available in a wide variety of cross-platform formats.

This text is released under CC0 1.0 Universal. It is dedicated to the public domain.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Lapis Lazuli Texts.