The Related Suttas Collection 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 bhikkhus, “Bhikkhus!”

“Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

“Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu should live mindful and aware. This is my instruction to you.

And how is a bhikkhu mindful? It’s when a bhikkhu meditates by watching, again and again, an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. They meditate watching, again and again, an aspect of feelings … mind … principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. That’s how a bhikkhu is mindful.

And how is a bhikkhu aware? It’s when a bhikkhu acts with focused 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 bhikkhu acts with focused awareness. A bhikkhu should live mindful and aware. This is my instruction to you.”