Mindful

Linked Discourses 47.2

1. In Ambapālī’s Mango Grove

Mindful

At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī in Ambapālī’s Mango Grove.

There the Buddha addressed the mendicants,

“Mendicants!”

“Venerable sir,” they replied.

The Buddha said this:

“Mendicants, a mendicant should live mindful and aware.

This is my instruction to you.

And how is a mendicant mindful?

It’s when a mendicant meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.

They meditate observing an aspect of feelings …

mind …

principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world.

That’s how a mendicant is mindful.

And how is a mendicant aware?

It’s when a mendicant acts with situational awareness when going out and coming back; when looking ahead and aside; when bending and extending the limbs; when bearing the outer robe, bowl and robes; when eating, drinking, chewing, and tasting; when urinating and defecating; when walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, waking, speaking, and keeping silent.

That’s how a mendicant acts with situational awareness.

A mendicant should live mindful and aware.

This is my instruction to you.”