The view on which this work is based is that the passages of the suttas which are reported to be the most often repeated by the Buddha in all the four Nikāyas can be taken as indicating what he considered as being the most worthy of interest in his teaching, and at the same time as what represents with most accuracy his actual words. Eight of them are expounded in the Gaṇaka-Moggallāna Sutta (MN 107) and described as the Sekha Paṭipadā or Path for one under Training, which practically leads the neophyte all the way to the fourth jhāna.
Twelve formulae that define step by step the main practices prescribed by the Buddha. It is of fundamental importance for anyone wishing to progress successfully, because it contains the instructions that will enable the meditator to set up the indispensable conditions for an efficient practice.
- Ānāpānassati - Awareness of the Breath
- The practice of ānāpānassati is highly recommended by the Buddha for all kinds of wholesome purposes and here you can understand quite precisely the instructions he gives.
- Anussati - The Recollections
- Here we have the standard description of the Buddha (≈140 occ.), the Dhamma (≈90 occ.) and the Sangha (≈45 occ.).
- Appamāṇā Cetovimutti - The boundless liberations of the mind
- The Buddha often praises the practice of the four appamāṇā cetovimutti, which are reputed for bringing protection against dangers and for being a way leading to Brahmaloka.
- Arahatta - Arahantship
- This is the stock formula by which the attainment of arahantship is described in the suttas.
- Ariya Sīlakkhandha - The noble aggregate of virtue
- Various rules to be followed by bhikkhus.
- Arūpajjhānā - The Formless Jhānas
- Here are the stock formulae describing the absorptions of samādhi beyond the fourth jhāna, which are referred to in late Pali litterature as arūpajjhānas.
- Āsavānaṃ Khayañāṇa - Knowledge of the destruction of the āsavas
- Knowledge of the destruction of the āsavas: arahantship.
- Bhojane Mattaññutā - Moderation in food
- Moderation in food: knowing the proper amount to eat.
- Cattāro Jhānā - The four jhānas
- The four jhānas: having a pleasant abiding.
- Indriyesu Guttadvāratā - Surveillance at the entrance of sense faculties
- Guard at the entrance of sense faculties: sense restraint.
- Jāgariyaṃ Anuyoga - Dedication to wakefulness
- Dedication to wakefulness: day and night.
- Kammassakomhi - I am my own kamma
- This formula explicits one of the foundation stones of the Buddha's teaching: a subjective version of the law of cause and effect.
- Nīvaraṇānaṃ Pahāna - Removal of hindrances
- Removal of the hindrances: overcoming obstructing mental states.
- Pabbajjā - The going forth
- The going forth: how one decides to renounce the world.
- Pubbenivāsānussatiñāṇa - Knowledge of the recollection of former living places
- Knowledge of the recollection of former living places: remembering one's past lives.
- Satipaṭṭhāna - Presence of Awareness
- These are the formulae by which the Buddha defines in brief what the four satipaṭṭhānas are (≈33 occ.).
- Satisampajañña - Mindfulness and thorough understanding
- Mindfulness and thorough understanding: an uninterrupted practice.
- Satta saddhammā - Seven good qualities
- Seven fundamental qualities that have to be mastered by the trainee in order to be successful. Four of these qualities appear also among the five spiritual indriyas and the five balas.
- Sattānaṃ Cutūpapātañāṇa - Knowledge of the rebirth of diceased beings
- Knowledge of the rebirth of diceased beings.
- Sīlasampatti - Accomplishment in virtue
- Accomplishment in virtue: a careful observance of the Pātimokkha rules.
- Vivitta Senāsanena Bhajana - Resorting to secluded dwellings
- The choice of a proper place and the adoption of the proper physical and mental posture is another sine qua non condition of successful practice.
