SN52.1
Linked Discourses 52.1
- In Private
In Private (1st)
So I have heard.
At one time Venerable Anuruddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Then as Anuruddha was in private retreat this thought came to his mind:
“Whoever has missed out on these four kinds of mindfulness meditation has missed out on the noble path to the complete ending of suffering.
Whoever has undertaken these four kinds of mindfulness meditation has undertaken the noble path to the complete ending of suffering.”
Then Venerable Mahāmoggallāna knew what Venerable Anuruddha was thinking. As easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, he reappeared in front of Anuruddha,
and said to him:
“Reverend Anuruddha, how do you define the undertaking of the four kinds of mindfulness meditation by a mendicant?”
“Reverend, it’s when a mendicant, with respect to the body internally, meditates observing the liability to originate, to vanish, and to originate and vanish—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
With respect to the body externally, they meditate observing the liability to originate, to vanish, and to originate and vanish—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
With respect to the body internally and externally, they meditate observing the liability to originate, to vanish, and to originate and vanish—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
If they wish: ‘May I meditate perceiving the repulsive in the unrepulsive,’ that’s what they do.
If they wish: ‘May I meditate perceiving the unrepulsive in the repulsive,’ that’s what they do.
If they wish: ‘May I meditate perceiving the repulsive in the unrepulsive and the repulsive,’ that’s what they do.
If they wish: ‘May I meditate perceiving the unrepulsive in the repulsive and the unrepulsive,’ that’s what they do.
If they wish: ‘May I meditate staying equanimous, mindful and aware, shunning both the repulsive and the unrepulsive,’ that’s what they do.
With respect to feelings internally …
externally …
internally and externally, they meditate observing the liability to originate, to vanish, and to originate and vanish …
With respect to the mind internally …
externally …
internally and externally, they meditate observing the liability to originate, to vanish, and to originate and vanish …
With respect to principles internally …
externally …
internally and externally, they meditate observing the liability to originate, to vanish, and to originate and vanish …
If they wish: ‘May I meditate perceiving the repulsive in the unrepulsive,’ that’s what they do. …
If they wish: ‘May I meditate staying equanimous, mindful and aware, ignoring both the repulsive and the unrepulsive,’ that’s what they do.
That’s how to define the undertaking of the four kinds of mindfulness meditation by a mendicant.”
SN52.2
Linked Discourses 52.2
- In Private
In Private (2nd)
At Sāvatthī.
Then as Anuruddha was in private retreat this thought came to his mind:
“Whoever has missed out on these four kinds of mindfulness meditation has missed out on the noble path to the complete ending of suffering.
Whoever has undertaken these four kinds of mindfulness meditation has undertaken the noble path to the complete ending of suffering.”
Then Venerable Mahāmoggallāna knew what Venerable Anuruddha was thinking. As easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, he reappeared in front of Anuruddha and said to him:
“Reverend Anuruddha, how do you define the undertaking of the four kinds of mindfulness meditation by a mendicant?”
“Reverend, it’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body internally—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
They meditate observing an aspect of the body externally …
internally and externally—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
They meditate observing an aspect of feelings internally …
externally …
internally and externally …
They meditate observing an aspect of the mind internally …
externally …
internally and externally …
They meditate observing an aspect of principles internally …
externally …
internally and externally—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
That’s how to define the undertaking of the four kinds of mindfulness meditation by a mendicant.”
SN52.3
Linked Discourses 52.3
- In Private
On the Bank of the Sutanu
At one time Venerable Anuruddha was staying near Sāvatthī on the bank of the Sutanu.
Then several mendicants went up to Venerable Anuruddha, and exchanged greetings with him.
When the greetings and polite conversation were over, they sat down to one side, and said to him:
“What things has Venerable Anuruddha developed and cultivated to attain great direct knowledge?”
“Reverends, I attained great direct knowledge by developing and cultivating the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
I meditate observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
I meditate observing an aspect of feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
I attained great direct knowledge by developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
And it was by developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I directly knew the lower principle as lower, the middle principle as middle, and the higher principle as higher.”
SN52.4
Linked Discourses 52.4
- In Private
At Thorny Wood (1st)
At one time the venerables Anuruddha, Sāriputta, and Mahāmoggallāna were staying near Sāketa in the Thorny Wood.
Then in the late afternoon, Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna came out of retreat, went to Anuruddha, and exchanged greetings with him.
When the greetings and polite conversation were over, they sat down to one side. Sāriputta said to Anuruddha:
“Reverend Anuruddha, what things should a trainee mendicant enter and remain in?”
“Reverend Sāriputta, a trainee mendicant should enter and remain in the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
They meditate observing an aspect of feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
A trainee mendicant should enter and remain in these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”
SN52.5
Linked Discourses 52.5
- In Private
At Thorny Wood (2nd)
At Sāketa.
Sāriputta said to Anuruddha:
“Reverend Anuruddha, what things should a mendicant who is an adept enter and remain in?”
“Reverend Sāriputta, a mendicant who is an adept should enter and remain in the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
They meditate observing an aspect of feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
A mendicant who is an adept should enter and remain in these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”
SN52.6
Linked Discourses 52.6
- In Private
At Thorny Wood (3rd)
At Sāketa.
Sāriputta said to Anuruddha:
“What things has Venerable Anuruddha developed and cultivated to attain great direct knowledge?”
“Reverend, I attained great direct knowledge by developing and cultivating the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
I meditate observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
I meditate observing an aspect of feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
I attained great direct knowledge by developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I directly know the thousandfold galaxy.”
SN52.7
Linked Discourses 52.7
- In Private
The Ending of Craving
At Sāvatthī.
There Venerable Anuruddha addressed the mendicants:
“Reverends, mendicants!”
“Reverend,” they replied.
Anuruddha said this:
“Reverends, when these four kinds of mindfulness meditation are developed and cultivated they lead to the ending of craving.
What four?
It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body …
feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
When these four kinds of mindfulness meditation are developed and cultivated they lead to the ending of craving.”
SN52.8
Linked Discourses 52.8
- In Private
The Salaḷa Tree Hut
At one time Venerable Anuruddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the salaḷa tree hut.
There Venerable Anuruddha addressed the mendicants:
“Reverends, suppose that, although the Ganges River slants, slopes, and inclines to the east,
a large crowd were to come along with a spade and basket, saying:
‘We’ll make this Ganges River slant, slope, and incline to the west!’
What do you think, reverends? Would they succeed?”
“No, reverend.
Why is that?
The Ganges River slants, slopes, and inclines to the east.
It’s not easy to make it slant, slope, and incline to the west.
That large crowd will eventually get weary and frustrated.”
“In the same way, while a mendicant develops and cultivates the four kinds of mindfulness meditation, if rulers or their chief ministers, friends or colleagues, relatives or family should invite them to accept wealth, saying:
‘Please, my man, why let these ocher robes torment you?
Why follow the practice of shaving your head and carrying an alms bowl?
Come, return to a lesser life, enjoy wealth, and make merit!’
It is quite impossible for a mendicant who is developing and cultivating the four kinds of mindfulness meditation to resign the training and return to a lesser life.
Why is that?
Because for a long time that mendicant’s mind has slanted, sloped, and inclined to seclusion. So it’s impossible for them to return to a lesser life.
And how does a mendicant develop and cultivate the four kinds of mindfulness meditation?
It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body …
feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
That’s how a mendicant develops and cultivates the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”
SN52.9
Linked Discourses 52.9
- In Private
In Ambapālī’s Mango Grove
At one time the venerables Anuruddha and Sāriputta were staying near Vesālī in Ambapālī’s Mango Grove.
Then in the late afternoon, Sāriputta came out of retreat, went to Anuruddha, and said to him:
“Reverend Anuruddha, your faculties are so very clear, and your complexion is pure and bright.
What kind of meditation are you usually practicing these days?”
“These days, reverend, I usually meditate with my mind firmly established in the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
I meditate observing an aspect of the body …
feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
These days I usually meditate with my mind firmly established in these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
A mendicant who is perfected—with defilements ended, who has completed the spiritual journey, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, achieved their heart’s goal, utterly ended the fetter of continued existence, and is rightly freed through enlightenment—usually meditates with their mind firmly established in these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”
“We’re so fortunate, reverend, so very fortunate,
to have heard such a dramatic statement in the presence of Venerable Anuruddha.”
SN52.10
Linked Discourses 52.10
- In Private
Gravely Ill
At one time Venerable Anuruddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the Dark Forest. And he was sick, suffering, gravely ill.
Then several mendicants went up to Venerable Anuruddha, and said to him:
“What meditation does Venerable Anuruddha practice so that physical pain doesn’t occupy his mind?”
“Reverends, I meditate with my mind firmly established in the four kinds of mindfulness meditation so that physical pain doesn’t occupy my mind.
What four?
I meditate observing an aspect of the body …
feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
I meditate with my mind firmly established in these four kinds of mindfulness meditation so that physical pain doesn’t occupy my mind.”
SN52.11
Linked Discourses 52.11
- A Thousand
A Thousand Eons
At one time Venerable Anuruddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Then several mendicants went up to Venerable Anuruddha, exchanged greetings with him … and said:
“What things has Venerable Anuruddha developed and cultivated to attain great direct knowledge?”
“Reverends, I attained great direct knowledge by developing and cultivating the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
What four?
I meditate observing an aspect of the body …
feelings …
mind …
principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.
I attained great direct knowledge by developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.
And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I recollect a thousand eons.”
SN52.12
Linked Discourses 52.12
- A Thousand
Psychic Powers
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I wield the many kinds of psychic power: multiplying myself and becoming one again … controlling the body as far as the realm of divinity.”
SN52.13
Linked Discourses 52.13
- A Thousand
Clairaudience
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that, with clairaudience that is purified and superhuman, I hear both kinds of sounds, human and heavenly, whether near or far.”
SN52.14
Linked Discourses 52.14
- A Thousand
Encompassing the Mind
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I understand the minds of other beings and individuals, having encompassed them with my mind.
I understand mind with greed as ‘mind with greed’ …
I understand unfreed mind as ‘unfreed mind’.”
SN52.15
Linked Discourses 52.15
- A Thousand
Possible
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand the possible as possible and the impossible as impossible.”
SN52.16
Linked Discourses 52.16
- A Thousand
The Results of Deeds Undertaken
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand the result of deeds undertaken in the past, future, and present in terms of grounds and causes.”
SN52.17
Linked Discourses 52.17
- A Thousand
Where All Paths of Practice Lead
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand where all paths of practice lead.”
SN52.18
Linked Discourses 52.18
- A Thousand
Diverse Elements
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand the world with its many and diverse elements.”
SN52.19
Linked Discourses 52.19
- A Thousand
Diverse Beliefs
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand the diverse convictions of sentient beings.”
SN52.20
Linked Discourses 52.20
- A Thousand
Comprehending the Faculties of Others
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand the faculties of other sentient beings and other individuals after encompassing them with my mind.”
SN52.21
Linked Discourses 52.21
- A Thousand
Absorptions, Etc.
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I truly understand corruption, cleansing, and emergence regarding the absorptions, liberations, immersions, and attainments.”
SN52.22
Linked Discourses 52.22
- A Thousand
Past Lives
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I recollect my many kinds of past lives, with features and details.”
SN52.23
Linked Discourses 52.23
- A Thousand
Clairvoyance
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that, with clairvoyance that is purified and superhuman, I understand how sentient beings pass on according to their deeds.”
SN52.24
Linked Discourses 52.24
- A Thousand
The Ending of Defilements
“… And it’s because of developing and cultivating these four kinds of mindfulness meditation that I realized the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And I live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.”
The Linked Discourses with Anuruddha, the eighth section.