The Direct Path to Realization. The Basics of Mindfulness

The proposed book is dedicated to the examination of the meaning and practice of mindfulness meditation in accordance with the Buddha's teachings on Satipatthana. In his exposition of this topic, the author – Venerable Analayo Bhikkhu – primarily follows the "Satipatthana Sutta," elucidating and commenting on its provisions based on the suttas presented in the four main Nikayas, as well as in the historically earlier parts of the fifth Nikaya. The Buddha called the practice of Satipatthana the direct path leading to the realization of Nibbana. This path is realized through the realization of the four Satipatthanas – the contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and dhammas. In examining them, Analayo discusses in detail terminology related to Satipatthana, revealing the meaning of such fundamental terms as sati (mindfulness), sampajanna (clear recognition), atapi (diligence), samadhi (concentration), etc. Special interest for practitioners of contemplation is presented in the author's exploration of the relationship between mindfulness (sati) and concentration (samadhi), as well as the role of absorptions (jhanas) on the path to realization. . .