7. Analysis of the Ways of Attending to Mindfulness (VB7)

7.1. The Section Derived from the Discourses

7.1.1. Summary

Four Ways of Attending to Mindfulness:

Here a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body in regard to himself, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body in regard to others, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body in regard to himself and in regard to others, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

He dwells contemplating (the nature of) feelings in feelings in regard to himself, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) feelings in feelings in regard to others, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) feelings in feelings in regard to himself and in regard to others, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

He dwells contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind in regard to himself, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind in regard to others, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind in regard to himself and in regard to others, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

He dwells contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to himself, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to others, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to himself and in regard to others, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

7.1.2. Explanation of the Contemplation of the Body

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body in regard to himself?

Here a monk in regard to himself—from the sole of the feet upwards, from the hair of the head down, bounded by the skin, and filled with manifold impurities—reflects (thus):

There are in this body:

hairs of the head, body hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, sinews, bones, bone-marrow, kidneys, heart, liver, pleura, spleen, lungs, intestines, mesentery, undigested food, excrement, bile, phlegm, pus, blood, sweat, fat, tears, grease, spit, mucus, synovial fluid, urine.

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on another’s body.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body in regard to another?

Here a monk in regard to another’s body—from the sole of the feet upwards, from the hair of the head down, bounded by the skin, and filled with manifold impurities—reflects (thus):

There are in his body:

hairs of the head, body hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, sinews, bones, bone-marrow, kidneys, heart, liver, pleura, spleen, lungs, intestines, mesentery, undigested food, excrement, bile, phlegm, pus, blood, sweat, fat, tears, grease, spit, mucus, synovial fluid, urine.

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on his own and on another’s body.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body in regard to himself and in regard to another?

Here a monk in regard to himself and another—from the sole of the feet upwards, from the hair of the head down, bounded by the skin, and filled with manifold impurities—reflects (thus):

There are in the body:

hairs of the head, body hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, sinews, bones, bone-marrow, kidneys, heart, liver, pleura, spleen, lungs, intestines, mesentery, undigested food, excrement, bile, phlegm, pus, blood, sweat, fat, tears, grease, spit, mucus, synovial fluid, urine.

Thus a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) his own and another’s body in the body, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

(Word Analysis)

‘Contemplating.’ Herein, what is contemplation? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘contemplation.’

With this contemplation he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘contemplating’ is said.

‘Dwells.’ Poses, moves, guards, persists, carries on, lives, dwells. Because of this ‘dwells’ is said.

‘Ardent.’ Herein, what is ardour? Whatever mental exercise of effort this is called ‘ardour.’

With this ardour he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘ardent’ is said.

‘Full awareness.’ Herein, what is full awareness? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘full awareness.’

With this full awareness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘full awareness’ is said.

‘Mindful.’ Herein, what is mindfulness? That which is mindfulness, recollection, recall, mindfulness, remembrance, bearing (in mind), not losing, not confusing, mindfulness, the Faculty of Mindfulness, the Strength of Mindfulness, Right Mindfulness: this is called ‘mindfulness.’

With this mindfulness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘mindful’ is said.

‘After removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.’ Herein, what is the world? For sure it is the world of his own body, the world of the five constituents (of mind and body) that provide fuel for attachment: this is called ‘world.’

Herein, what is avarice? That which is passion, passionateness, fawning, compliance, enjoyment, passionate enjoyment, a passionate mind : this is called ‘avarice.’

Herein, what is sorrow? That which is mental disagreeableness, mental pain, disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful experience: disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful feeling: this is called ‘sorrow.’

Thus this avarice and this sorrow are removed from the world, expelled, quieted, calmed, allayed, gone down, settled down, destroyed, completely destroyed, dried up, completely dried up, brought to an end. Because of this ‘after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world’ is said.

Explanation of the Contemplation of the Body

7.1.3. Explanation of the Contemplation of Feelings

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the feelings in the feelings in regard to himself?

Here a monk when experiencing a pleasant feeling he knows “I experience an pleasant feeling”; when experiencing an unpleasant feeling he knows “I experience an unpleasant feeling”; when experiencing a neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “I experience a neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling.”

Or, when experiencing a sensual pleasant feeling he knows “I experience a sensual pleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a spiritual pleasant feeling he knows “I experience a spiritual pleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a sensual unpleasant feeling he knows “I experience a sensual unpleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a spiritual unpleasant feeling he knows “I experience a spiritual unpleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a sensual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “I experience a sensual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling” ; or, when experiencing a spiritual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “I experience a spiritual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling.”

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on another’s feelings.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the feelings in the feelings in regard to another?

Here a monk while (another is) experiencing a pleasant feeling knows “he is experiencing a pleasant feeling”; when experiencing an unpleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing an unpleasant feeling”; when experiencing a neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling.”

Or, when experiencing a sensual pleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a sensual pleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a spiritual pleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a spiritual pleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a sensual unpleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a sensual unpleasant feeling”;

or, when experiencing a spiritual unpleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a spiritual unpleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a sensual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a sensual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling”; or, when experiencing a spiritual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “he is experiencing a spiritual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling.”

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on his own and on another’s feelings.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) feelings in the feelings in regard to himself and in regard to another?

Here a monk when there is pleasant feeling knows “(there is) pleasant feeling”; when there is unpleasant feeling he knows “(there is) unpleasant feeling”; when there is neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “(there is) neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling.”

Or, when there is sensual pleasant feeling he knows “(there is) sensual pleasant feeling”; or, when there is spiritual pleasant feeling he knows “(there is) spiritual pleasant feeling”; or, when there is sensual unpleasant feeling he knows “(there is) sensual unpleasant feeling”;

or, when there is spiritual unpleasant feeling he knows “(there is) spiritual unpleasant feeling”; or, when there is sensual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “(there is) sensual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling”; or, when there is spiritual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling he knows “(there is) spiritual neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant feeling.”

Thus a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) his own and another’s feelings in the feelings, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

(Word Analysis)

‘Contemplating.’ Herein, what is contemplation? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘contemplation.’

With this contemplation he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘contemplating’ is said.

‘Dwells.’ Poses, moves, guards, persists, carries on, lives, dwells. Because of this ‘dwells’ is said.

‘Ardent.’ Herein, what is ardour? Whatever mental exercise of effort, exertion, great exertion, enterprise, endeavour, attempt, travail, vigour, courage, exertion that is not lax, not putting aside of (wholesome) desire, not putting aside of responsibility, being taken up with responsibility, effort, the Faculty of Effort, the Strength of Effort, Right Endeavour: this is called ‘ardour.’

With this ardour he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘ardent’ is said.

‘Full awareness.’ Herein, what is full awareness? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘contemplation.’

With this full awareness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘full awareness’ is said.

‘Mindful.’ Herein, what is mindfulness? That which is mindfulness, recollection, recall, mindfulness, remembrance, bearing (in mind), not losing, not confusing, mindfulness, the Faculty of Mindfulness, the Strength of Mindfulness, Right Mindfulness: this is called ‘mindfulness.’

With this mindfulness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘mindful’ is said.

‘After removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.’ Herein, what is the world? For sure it is the world of his feelings, also the world of the five constituents (of mind and body) that provide fuel for attachment: this is called ‘world.’

Herein, what is avarice? That which is passion, passionateness, fawning, compliance, enjoyment, passionate enjoyment, a passionate mind: this is called ‘avarice.’

Herein, what is sorrow? That which is mental disagreeableness, mental pain, disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful experience: disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful feeling: this is called ‘sorrow.’

Thus this avarice and this sorrow are removed from the world, expelled, quieted, calmed, allayed, gone down, settled down, destroyed, completely destroyed, dried up, completely dried up, brought to an end. Because of this ‘after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world’ is said.

Explanation of the Contemplation of Feelings

7.1.4. Explanation of the Contemplation of the Mind

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind in regard to himself?

Here a monk when the mind has passion knows “my mind has passion”, or, when the mind is without passion he knows “my mind is without passion”; or, when the mind has hate he knows “my mind has hate”, or, when the mind is without hate he knows “my mind is without hate”; or, when the mind has delusion he knows “my mind has delusion”, or, when the mind is without delusion he knows “my mind is without delusion”; or, when the mind is collected he knows “my mind is collected”, or, when the mind is scattered he knows “my mind is scattered”; or, when the mind has become very great he knows “my mind has become very great”, or, when the mind has not become very great he knows “my mind has not become very great”; or, when the mind is surpassable he knows “my mind is surpassable”, or, when the mind is unsurpassable he knows “my mind is unsurpassable”; or, when the mind is concentrated he knows “my mind is concentrated”, or, when the mind is not concentrated he knows “my mind is not concentrated”; or, when the mind is liberated he knows “my mind is liberated”, or, when the mind is not liberated he knows “my mind is not liberated.”

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on another’s mind.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind in regard to another?

Here a monk when (another’s) mind has passion knows “his mind has passion”, or, when his mind is without passion he knows “his mind is without passion”; or, when his mind has hate he knows “his mind has hate”, or, when his mind is without hate he knows “his mind is without hate”; or, when his mind has delusion he knows “his mind has delusion”, or, when his mind is without delusion he knows “his mind is without delusion”; or, when his mind is collected he knows “his mind is collected”, or, when his mind is scattered he knows “his mind is scattered”; or, when his mind has become very great he knows “his mind has become very great”, or, when his mind has not become very great he knows “his mind has not become very great”; or, when his mind is surpassable he knows “his mind is surpassable”, or, when his mind is unsurpassable he knows “his mind is unsurpassable”; or, when his mind is concentrated he knows “his mind is concentrated”, or, when his mind is not concentrated he knows “his mind is not concentrated”; or, when his mind is liberated he knows “his mind is liberated”, or, when his mind is not liberated he knows “his mind is not liberated.”

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on his own and on another’s mind.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind in regard to himself and in regard to another?

Here a monk when a mind has passion knows “the mind has passion”, or, when a mind is without passion he knows “the mind is without passion”; or, when a mind has hate he knows “the mind has hate”, or, when a mind is without hate he knows “the mind is without hate”; or, when a mind has delusion he knows “the mind has delusion”, or, when a mind is without delusion he knows “the mind is without delusion”; or, when a mind is collected he knows “the mind is collected”, or, when a mind is scattered he knows “the mind is scattered”; or, when a mind has become very great he knows “the mind has become very great”, or, when a mind has not become very great he knows “the mind has not become very great”; or, when a mind is surpassable he knows “the mind is surpassable”, or, when a mind is unsurpassable he knows “the mind is unsurpassable”; or, when a mind is concentrated he knows “the mind is concentrated”, or, when a mind is not concentrated he knows “the mind is not concentrated”; or, when a mind is liberated he knows “the mind is liberated”, or, when a mind is not liberated he knows “the mind is not liberated.”

Thus a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) his own and another’s mind in the mind, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

(Word Analysis)

‘Contemplating.’ Herein, what is contemplation? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘contemplation.’

With this contemplation he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘contemplating’ is said.

‘Dwells.’ Poses, moves, guards, persists, carries on, lives, dwells. Because of this ‘dwells’ is said.

‘Ardent.’ Herein, what is ardour? Whatever mental exercise of effort, exertion, great exertion, enterprise, endeavour, attempt, travail, vigour, courage, exertion that is not lax, not putting aside of (wholesome) desire, not putting aside of responsibility, being taken up with responsibility, effort, the Faculty of Effort, the Strength of Effort, Right Endeavour: this is called ‘ardour.’

With this ardour he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘ardent’ is said.

‘Full awareness.’ Herein, what is full awareness? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘contemplation.’

With this full awareness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘full awareness’ is said.

‘Mindful.’ Herein, what is mindfulness? That which is mindfulness, recollection, recall, mindfulness, remembrance, bearing (in mind), not losing, not confusing, mindfulness, the Faculty of Mindfulness, the Strength of Mindfulness, Right Mindfulness: this is called ‘mindfulness.’

With this mindfulness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘mindful’ is said.

‘After removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.’ Herein, what is the world? For sure it is the world of his mind, also the world of the five constituents (of mind and body) that provide fuel for attachment: this is called ‘world.’

Herein, what is avarice? That which is passion, passionateness, fawning, compliance, enjoyment, passionate enjoyment, a passionate mind: this is called ‘avarice.’

Herein, what is sorrow? That which is mental disagreeableness, mental pain, disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful experience: disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful feeling: this is called ‘sorrow.’

Thus this avarice and this sorrow are removed from the world, expelled, quieted, calmed, allayed, gone down, settled down, destroyed, completely destroyed, dried up, completely dried up, brought to an end. Because of this ‘after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world’ is said.

Explanation of the Contemplation of the Mind

7.1.5. Explanation of the Contemplation of (the Nature of) Things

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to himself?

Here a monk having sensual desire in himself knows “there is sensual desire in myself”; or, not having sensual desire in himself he knows “I do not have sensual desire in myself.” How there is an arising of sensual desire that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of sensual desire that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned sensual desire again in the future, that also he knows.

Having ill-will in himself he knows “there is ill-will in myself”; or, not having ill-will in himself he knows “I do not have ill-will in myself.” How there is an arising of ill-will that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of ill-will that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned ill-will again in the future, that also he knows.

Having sloth and torpor in himself he knows “there is sloth and torpor in myself”; or, not having sloth and torpor in himself he knows “I do not have sloth and torpor in myself.” How there is an arising of sloth and torpor that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of sloth and torpor that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned sloth and torpor again in the future, that also he knows.

Having agitation and worry in himself he knows “there is agitation and worry in myself”; or, not having agitation and worry in himself he knows “I do not have agitation and worry in myself.” How there is an arising of agitation and worry that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of agitation and worry that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned agitation and worry again in the future, that also he knows.

Having doubt in himself he knows “there is doubt in myself”; or, not having doubt in himself he knows “I do not have doubt in myself.” How there is an arising of doubt that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of doubt that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned doubt again in the future, that also he knows.

Having the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Having the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows. and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Having the Energy factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Energy factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Energy factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Energy factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Energy factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Energy factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Having the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Having the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Having the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Having the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “there is the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening in myself”; or, not having the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening in himself he knows “I do not have the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening in myself.” How there is an arising of the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on (the nature of) things in another.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to another?

Here a monk when (another) has sensual desire knows “he has sensual desire”; or, not having sensual desire he knows “he does not have sensual desire.” How there is an arising of sensual desire that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of sensual desire that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned sensual desire again in the future, that also he knows.

When he has ill-will he knows “he has ill-will”; or, not having ill-will he knows “he does not have ill-will.” How there is an arising of ill-will that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of ill-will that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned ill-will again in the future, that also he knows.

When he has sloth and torpor he knows “he has sloth and torpor”; or, not having sloth and torpor he knows “he does not have sloth and torpor.” How there is an arising of sloth and torpor that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of sloth and torpor that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned sloth and torpor again in the future, that also he knows.

When he has agitation and worry he knows “he has agitation and worry”; or, not having agitation and worry he knows “he does not have agitation and worry.” How there is an arising of agitation and worry that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of agitation and worry that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned agitation and worry again in the future, that also he knows.

When he has doubt he knows “he has doubt”; or, not having doubt he knows “he does not have doubt.” How there is an arising of doubt that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of doubt that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned doubt again in the future, that also he knows.

When he has the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When he has the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When he has the Energy factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Energy factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Energy factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Energy factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Energy factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Energy factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When he has the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When he has the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When he has the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When he has the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he has the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening”; or, not having the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening he knows “he does not have the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

He practices, develops, makes much of that sign, and fixes its definition, and after he has practised, developed, made much of that sign, and fixed its definition, he focuses his mind on (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to himself and in regard to another.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to himself and in regard to another? Here a monk, when there is sensual desire knows “there is sensual desire”; or, when there is no sensual desire he knows “there is no sensual desire.” How there is an arising of sensual desire that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of sensual desire that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned sensual desire again in the future, that also he knows.

When there is ill-will he knows “there is ill-will”; or, when there is no ill-will he knows “there is no ill-will.” How there is an arising of ill-will that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of ill-will that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned ill-will again in the future, that also he knows.

When there is sloth and torpor he knows “there is sloth and torpor”; or, when there is no sloth and torpor he knows “there is no sloth and torpor.” How there is an arising of sloth and torpor that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of sloth and torpor that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned sloth and torpor again in the future, that also he knows.

When there is agitation and worry he knows “there is agitation and worry”; or, when there is no agitation and worry he knows “there is no agitation and worry.” How there is an arising of agitation and worry that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of agitation and worry that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned agitation and worry again in the future, that also he knows.

When there is doubt he knows “there is doubt”; or, when there is no doubt he knows “there is no doubt.” How there is an arising of doubt that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is an abandonment of doubt that has arisen, that he knows; and how there is a non-arising of abandoned doubt again in the future, that also he knows.

When there is the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When there is the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Investigation of the (nature) of things factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When there is the Energy factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Energy factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Energy factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Energy factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Energy factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Energy factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When there is the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Joyful-Interest factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When there is the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Calmness factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Calmness factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Calmness factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When there is the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Concentration factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Concentration factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Concentration factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

When there is the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening”; or, when there is no Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening he knows “there is no Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening.” How there is an arising of the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening that has not arisen, that he knows; and how there is fulfilment of the development of the Equanimity factor of Complete Awakening that has arisen, that also he knows.

Thus a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things in regard to himself and in regard to another, ardent, fully aware, and mindful, after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.

(Word Analysis)

‘Contemplating.’ Herein, what is contemplation? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘contemplation.’

With this contemplation he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘contemplating’ is said.

‘Dwells.’ Poses, moves, guards, persists, carries on, lives, dwells. Because of this ‘dwells’ is said.

‘Ardent.’ Herein, what is ardour? Whatever mental exercise of effort, exertion, great exertion, enterprise, endeavour, attempt, travail, vigour, courage, exertion that is not lax, not putting aside of (wholesome) desire, not putting aside of responsibility, being taken up with responsibility, effort, the Faculty of Effort, the Strength of Effort, Right Endeavour: this is called ‘ardour.’

With this ardour he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘ardent’ is said.

‘Full awareness.’ Herein, what is full awareness? That which is wisdom, knowing, investigation, deep investigation, investigation of (the nature of) things, discernment, discrimination, differentiation, erudition, skilfulness, subtlety, clarification, thoughtfulness, consideration, breadth, intelligence, guidance, insight, full awareness, examination, wisdom, the Faculty of Wisdom, the Strength of Wisdom, the sword of wisdom, height of wisdom, light of wisdom, lustre of wisdom, flame of wisdom, treasure of wisdom, non-delusion, investigation of (the nature of) things, Right View: this is called ‘full awareness.’

With this full awareness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘full awareness’ is said.

‘Mindful.’ Herein, what is mindfulness? That which is mindfulness, recollection, recall, mindfulness, remembrance, bearing (in mind), not losing, not confusing, mindfulness, the Faculty of Mindfulness, the Strength of Mindfulness, Right Mindfulness: this is called ‘mindfulness.’

With this mindfulness he is endowed, truly endowed, having attained, truly attained, being possessed, truly possessed, furnished (with it). Because of this ‘mindful’ is said.

‘After removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world.’ Herein, what is the world? For sure it is the world of his own thoughts, the world of the five constituents (of mind and body) that provide fuel for attachment: this is called ‘world.’

Herein, what is avarice? That which is passion, passionateness, fawning, compliance, enjoyment, passionate enjoyment, a passionate mind: this is called ‘avarice.’

Herein, what is sorrow? That which is mental disagreeableness, mental pain, disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful experience: disagreeableness born of contact with the mind, painful feeling: this is called ‘sorrow.’

Thus this avarice and this sorrow are removed from the world, expelled, quieted, calmed, allayed, gone down, settled down, destroyed, completely destroyed, dried up, completely dried up, brought to an end. Because of this ‘after removing avarice and sorrow regarding the world’ is said.

Explanation of the Contemplation of (the Nature of) Things

The Section Derived from the Discourses

7.2. The Section Derived from the Abstract Teaching

7.2.1. The First Method

Four Ways of Attending to Mindfulness:

Here a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) feelings in feelings, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and he contemplates (the nature of) the body in the body, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the feelings in the feelings?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and he contemplates (the nature of) the feelings in the feelings, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and he contemplates (the nature of) the mind in the mind, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and he contemplates (the nature of) things in (various) things, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

What herein are the ways of attending to mindfulness?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and he contemplates (the nature of) things in (various) things, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

7.2.2. The Second Method

Four Ways of Attending to Mindfulness:

Here a monk dwells contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) feelings in feelings, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind, he dwells contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the body in the body?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and at that time there is contact, there is feeling, there is perception, there is bodily lightness, there is mental lightness, there is bodily plasticity, there is mental plasticity, there is bodily workableness, there is mental workableness, there is bodily proficiency, there is mental proficiency, there is bodily uprightness, there is mental uprightness, there is mindfulness, there is full awareness, there is calm, there is insight, there is support, there is balance: these are wholesome things.

For one who has produced and developed this supermundane, wholesome absorption, the result (is that), (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, and with difficulty in practice, slow deepening of knowledge, and emptiness he contemplates (the nature of) the body in the body, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the feelings in the feelings?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and at that time there is contact, there is feeling, there is perception, there is intention, there is thought, there is thinking, there is reflection, there is joyful interest, there is happiness, there is one-pointedness of mind, there is the Faculty of Faith, there is the Faculty of Energy, there is the Faculty of Mindfulness, there is the Faculty of Concentration, there is the Faculty of Wisdom, there is the mind-faculty, there is the joy-faculty, there is the life-faculty, there is the faculty of “I will know what is unknown”, there is Right View, there is Right Intention, there is Right Speech, there is Right Action, there is Right Endeavour, there is Right Mindfulness, there is Right Concentration, there is the Strength of Faith, there is the Strength of Energy, there is the Strength of Mindfulness, there is the Strength of Concentration, there is the Strength of Wisdom, there is the strength of conscience, there is the strength of shame, there is no greed, there is no hate, there is no delusion, there is no avarice, there is no ill-will, there is Right View, there is conscience, there is shame, there is bodily calm, there is mental calm, there is bodily lightness, there is mental lightness, there is bodily plasticity, there is mental plasticity, there is bodily workableness, there is mental workableness, there is bodily proficiency, there is mental proficiency, there is bodily uprightness, there is mental uprightness, there is mindfulness, there is full awareness, there is calm, there is insight, there is support, there is balance: these are wholesome things.

For one who has produced and developed this supermundane, wholesome absorption, the result (is that), (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, and with difficulty in practice, slow deepening of knowledge, and emptiness he contemplates (the nature of) the feelings in the feelings, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) the mind in the mind?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and at that time there is contact, is feeling, there is perception, there is intention, there is thought, there is thinking, there is reflection, there is joyful interest, there is happiness, there is one-pointedness of mind, there is the Faculty of Faith, there is the Faculty of Energy, there is the Faculty of Mindfulness, there is the Faculty of Concentration, there is the Faculty of Wisdom, there is the mind-faculty, there is the joy-faculty, there is the life-faculty, there is the faculty of “I will know what is unknown”, there is Right View, there is Right Intention, there is Right Speech, there is Right Action, there is Right Endeavour, there is Right Mindfulness, there is Right Concentration, there is the Strength of Faith, there is the Strength of Energy, there is the Strength of Mindfulness, there is the Strength of Concentration, there is the Strength of Wisdom, there is the strength of conscience, there is the strength of shame, there is no greed, there is no hate, there is no delusion, there is no avarice, there is no ill-will, there is Right View, there is conscience, there is shame, there is bodily calm, there is mental calm, there is bodily lightness, there is mental lightness, there is bodily plasticity, there is mental plasticity, there is bodily workableness, there is mental workableness, there is bodily proficiency, there is mental proficiency, there is bodily uprightness, there is mental uprightness, there is mindfulness, there is full awareness, there is calm, there is insight, there is support, there is balance: these are wholesome things.

For one who has produced and developed this supermundane, wholesome absorption, the result (is that), (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, and with difficulty in practice, slow deepening of knowledge, and emptiness he contemplates (the nature of) the mind in the mind, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

And how does a monk dwell contemplating (the nature of) things in (various) things?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and at that time there is contact, there is feeling, there is perception, there is intention, there is thought, there is thinking, there is reflection, there is joyful interest, there is happiness, there is one-pointedness of mind, there is the Faculty of Faith, there is the Faculty of Energy, there is the Faculty of Mindfulness, there is the Faculty of Concentration, there is the Faculty of Wisdom, there is the mind-faculty, there is the joy-faculty, there is the life-faculty, there is the faculty of “I will know what is unknown”, there is Right View, there is Right Intention, there is Right Speech, there is Right Action, there is Right Endeavour, there is Right Mindfulness, there is Right Concentration, there is the Strength of Faith, there is the Strength of Energy, there is the Strength of Mindfulness, there is the Strength of Concentration, there is the Strength of Wisdom, there is the strength of conscience, there is the strength of shame, there is no greed, there is no hate, there is no delusion, there is no avarice, there is no ill-will, there is Right View, there is conscience, there is shame, there is bodily calm, there is mental calm, there is bodily lightness, there is mental lightness, there is bodily plasticity, there is mental plasticity, there is bodily workableness, there is mental workableness, there is bodily proficiency, there is mental proficiency, there is bodily uprightness, there is mental uprightness, there is mindfulness, there is full awareness, there is calm, there is insight, there is support, there is balance: these are wholesome things.

For one who has produced and developed this supermundane, wholesome absorption, the result (is that), (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, and with difficulty in practice, slow deepening of knowledge, and emptiness he contemplates (the nature of) things in (various) things, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

What herein are the ways of attending to mindfulness?

Here a monk, at whatever time, develops the supermundane absorption, which leads out, which goes to decrease (of rebirth), to abandonment of wrong views, to the attainment of the first ground, (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and at that time there is contact, there is feeling, there is perception, there is intention, there is thought, there is thinking, there is reflection, there is joyful interest, there is happiness, there is one-pointedness of mind, there is the Faculty of Faith, there is the Faculty of Energy, there is the Faculty of Mindfulness, there is the Faculty of Concentration, there is the Faculty of Wisdom, there is the mind-faculty, there is the joy-faculty, there is the life-faculty, there is the faculty of “I will know what is unknown”, there is Right View, there is Right Intention, there is Right Speech, there is Right Action, there is Right Endeavour, there is Right Mindfulness, there is Right Concentration, there is the Strength of Faith, there is the Strength of Energy, there is the Strength of Mindfulness, there is the Strength of Concentration, there is the Strength of Wisdom, there is the strength of conscience, there is the strength of shame, there is no greed, there is no hate, there is no delusion, there is no avarice, there is no ill-will, there is Right View, there is conscience, there is shame, there is bodily calm, there is mental calm, there is bodily lightness, there is mental lightness, there is bodily plasticity, there is mental plasticity, there is bodily workableness, there is mental workableness, there is bodily proficiency, there is mental proficiency, there is bodily uprightness, there is mental uprightness, there is mindfulness, there is full awareness, there is calm, there is insight, there is support, there is balance: these are wholesome things.

For one who has produced and developed this supermundane, wholesome absorption, the result (is that), (where,) quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome things, having thinking, reflection, and the happiness and rapture born of seclusion, he dwells, having attained the first absorption, with difficulty in practice and slow deepening of knowledge, and he contemplates emptiness, and that which at that time is mindfulness, recollection, Right Mindfulness, the Mindfulness factor of Complete Awakening, the Path factor, and what belongs to the Path: this is said to be ‘attending to mindfulness.’

(Also) the rest of the things associated with the ways of attending to mindfulness.

The Section Derived from the Abstract Teaching