Satipatthana Sutta

Satipatthana Sutta (Pal.) is a sutra in the Pali Canon, in the Majjhima Nikaya collection (and not found in the Tibetan Kangyur), the title of which is usually translated as Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness. This is one of the fullest and most important sutras by the Buddha dealing with meditation, with particular emphasis on the development of insight. The Buddha begins by declaring the four foundations of mindfulness to be the direct path for the realisation of nirvana, then gives detailed instructions that set forth a comprehensive system designed to train the mind to see with microscopic precision the true nature of the body, feelings, states of mind, and mental objects.

English Translations

• The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, a translation of the Majjhima Nikaya, translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Nanamoli & Bhikkhu Bodhi, published by Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-072-X, See Chapter 1 – 10 for the Satipatthana Sutta.
• Thich Nhat Hanh, Transformation and Healing: Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness (Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press, 2002 for second edition)

Teachings Given to the Rigpa Sangha

• April and March 1982, St Paul’s Crescent, London, UK: Khemadhammo Bhikku teaches on Satipatthana, the Foundations of Mindfulness.