Saṁyutta Nikāya,
V: Mahā-Vagga
47. Satipaṭṭhana Saṁyutta
5. Amata-Vagga

The Great Chapter,
47: Kindred Sayings on the Stations of Mindfulness
Chapter V: The Deathless

Sutta 45

Kusalarāsī Suttaṁ

A Heap of Merit¹

 

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THUS have I heard:

Once the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī,
at Jeta Grove,
in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.

Then the Exalted One addressed the monks,
saying:

"Monks."

"Yes, lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.

The Exalted One said:

"'A heap of merit!'

If anyone, monks, should thus name the four stations of mindfulness,
rightly would he do so.

For indeed, monks,
they are one entire heap of merit, -
these four stations of mindfulness.

What four?

Herein a monk dwells in body contemplating body
(as transient),
ardent,
composed
and mindful,
by restraining the dejection in the world
that arises from coveting.

He dwells as regards feelings contemplating feelings
(as transient),
ardent,
composed
and mindful,
by restraining the dejection in the world
that arises from coveting.

He dwells as regards mind contemplating mind
(as transient),
ardent,
composed
and mindful,
by restraining the dejection in the world
that arises from coveting.

He dwells as regards mind-states contemplating mind-states
(as transient),
ardent,
composed
and mindful,
by restraining the dejection in the world
that arises from coveting.

"'A heap of merit!'

If anyone, monks, should thus name the four stations of mindfulness,
rightly would he do so.

For indeed, monks,
they are one entire heap of merit, -
these four stations of mindfulness.

 

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¹ Supra, text 145.