Satipatthana Sutta Facsimile Edition

Probably originating in Sri Lanka, the Satipatthana Sutta is a sixteenth-century manuscript of a discourse on Buddhist meditational practice. The text is written on both sides of seventeen palm leaves in Pali, the original language of Buddhist scripture. It contains teachings on cultivating mindfulness as a key element on the path to spiritual awakening and offers practical guidance on meditation. Its significance lies not only in its doctrinal importance but also in its role as a rare physical witness to Buddhist textual transmission across South Asia.

The term sutta (Sanskrit: sūtra) means “discourse,” indicating that the text comprises a collection of authoritative teachings—specifically, sacred discourses intended for instruction and contemplation.

Etymology and Meaning

The word satipaṭṭhāna designates a method of meditation aimed at establishing sati, commonly translated as “mindfulness.” Depending on interpretive choices, satipaṭṭhāna can be rendered as “foundation of mindfulness” or “presence of mindfulness.” Through the cultivation of sati, practitioners seek purification of mind, the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, the cessation of suffering and grief, and ultimately the realization of nibbāna.

Sati: Memory, Mindfulness, and Misconceptions

Etymologically, sati is related to the verb sarati, “to remember” or “to keep in mind.” While modern accounts sometimes equate mindfulness with a purely non-reactive, agenda-free awareness of present experience, this definition does not align with the canonical formula for satipaṭṭhāna. Non-reactive awareness is more precisely an aspect of equanimity—a quality cultivated during satipaṭṭhāna—but the practice itself is purpose-driven. It is explicitly oriented toward awakening, and thus operates within a clear ethical and soteriological framework.

Motivation and the Role of Mindfulness

In this context, the aspiration for awakening is not considered a cause of suffering; rather, it is a wholesome motivation integral to the path leading to the end of suffering. Mindfulness serves a central function in keeping the mind aligned with that path, sustaining present-centered attention that supports discernment and steadfastness.

Applications of Satipaṭṭhāna

The Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta outlines methods that admit several modes of application, including:

• Focusing on a single method—most commonly, in the contemporary English-speaking world, mindfulness of breathing.
• Practicing the various methods separately and in sequence.
• Maintaining mindfulness of breathing as the primary anchor while employing other techniques to address non-breath stimuli.
• Practicing multiple methods either in tandem or in a context-sensitive, situational manner.

Individual Dispositions and Practice Styles

According to the Papañcasūdanī (the classical commentary on the Majjhima Nikāya), the recommended form of satipaṭṭhāna may vary according to individual temperament. Two principal distinctions are noted:

• Whether a practitioner inclines more toward intellectual speculation or toward affective craving.
• Whether a practitioner tends to be measured and deliberate or quick-reacting and impulsive.

By recognizing these temperamental differences, instruction in satipaṭṭhāna can be more precisely tailored, aligning method with disposition to support progress toward insight and liberation.