Qualities Supporting Mindfulness of Breathing (SA801)

Thus have I heard. At one time, the Buddha was in Śrāvastī, in the Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍada’s park. At that time, the Bhagavān said to the bhikṣus, “There are five dharmas that bring many abundant benefits for the cultivation of ānāpānasmṛti. What are these five?

“[1] You should abide in the pure precepts of the Prātimokṣa rules and practices, abiding and progressing perfectly with majestic deportment, with fear and concern arising for even minor transgressions. Accepting, maintaining, and studying the precepts is called the first practice that brings many abundant benefits for the cultivation of ānāpānasmṛti.

“[2] Moreover, bhikṣus, you should have few desires, few possessions, and few affairs to attend to. This is called the second dharma which brings many abundant benefits for the cultivation of ānāpānasmṛti.

“[3] Moreover, bhikṣus, you should know moderation in food and drink, having neither too much nor too little, and to not give rise to thoughts seeking and desiring food and drink, so as to consider only the essential matters. This is called the third dharma which brings many abundant benefits for the cultivation of ānāpānasmṛti.

“[4] Moreover, bhikṣus, you should not slumber at the beginning of the night or at the end of the night, so as to consider only the essential matters. This is called the fourth dharma which brings many abundant benefits for the cultivation of ānāpānasmṛti.

“[5] Moreover, bhikṣus, you should spend leisure time within the forest, apart from various troubles and conflicts. This is called the fifth dharma which brings many abundant benefits for the cultivation of ānāpānasmṛti.”

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

Translated from Sanskrit to Chinese by Guṇabhadra.

Translated from Chinese to English by J. Pierquet.

Published in 2010–16 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.

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Prepared for SuttaCentral by Lapis Lazuli Texts.