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Seven Factors of Awakening

April 11, 2024

In Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Awakening (Pali: satta bojjhaṅgā or satta sambojjhaṅgā; Skt.: sapta bodhyanga) are:

  • Mindfulness (sati, Sanskrit smṛti). To maintain awareness of reality, in particular the teachings (dhamma).
  • Investigation of the nature of reality (dhamma vicaya, Skt. dharmapravicaya).
  • Energy (viriya, Skt. vīrya) also determination, effort
  • Joy or rapture (pīti, Skt. prīti)
  • Relaxation or tranquility (passaddhi, Skt. prashrabdhi) of both body and mind
  • Concentration (samādhi) a calm, one-pointed state of mind,[1] or "bringing the buried latencies or samskaras into full view"[2]
  • Equanimity (upekkhā, Skt. upekshā). To accept reality as-it-is (yathā-bhuta) without craving or aversion.
Monk meditating beside Sirikit Dam in Thailand.

This evaluation of seven awakening factors is one of the "Seven Sets" of "Awakening-related states" (bodhipakkhiyadhamma).

The Pali word bojjhanga is a compound of bodhi ("awakening," "enlightenment") and anga ("factor").[3]

Etymology edit

Satta sambojjhaṅgā:

  • satta – seven;
  • sam- - a prefix meaning complete, full, highest
  • bojjh(i) < bodhi – an abstract noun formed from the verbal root *budh- (to awake, become aware, notice, know or understand) corresponding to the verbs bujjhati (Pāli) and bodhati or budhyate (Sanskrit);
  • aṅga – a part of a whole; factor, cause.[4]

Pali literature edit

In the Sutta Pitaka's Samyutta Nikaya, the bojjhangas refer to wholesome, mundane factors leading to enlightenment. In the Abhidhamma and Pali commentaries, the bojjhangas tend to refer to supramundane factors concurrent with enlightenment.[5]

Sutta Pitaka edit

According to one discourse in the Samyutta Nikaya entitled "Bhikkhu Sutta" (SN 46.5):

[Bhikkhu:] "Venerable sir, it is said, 'factors of enlightenment, factors of enlightenment.' In what sense are they called factors of enlightenment?"
[Buddha:] "They lead to enlightenment, bhikkhu, therefore they are called factors of enlightenment...."[6]

During meditation, one may contemplate the seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as on their antithesis, the Five Hindrances (sensual pleasure, ill-will, sloth-torpor, restlessness-worry, doubt).[7] In addition, one Samyutta Nikaya sutta identifies developing each of the enlightenment factors accompanied by each of the four brahma viharas (loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity).[8]

In the Samyutta Nikaya's "Fire Discourse," the Buddha identifies that mindfulness is "always useful" (sabbatthika); while, when one's mind is sluggish, one should develop the enlightenment factors of investigation, energy and joy; and, when one's mind is excited, one should develop the enlightenment factors of tranquility, concentration and equanimity.[9]

Again according to the Samyutta Nikaya, once when the Buddha was gravely ill he asked Venerable Mahacunda to recite the seven Factors of Enlightenment to him. In such a way the Buddha was cured of his illness.[10]

Abhidhamma and commentarial literature edit

In the Visuddhimagga, in a section discussing skills needed for the attainment and maintenance of absorption (jhana), Buddhaghosa identifies the bojjhangas in the following fashion:

  • "Strong mindfulness ... is needed in all instances...."
  • "When his mind is slack with over-laxness of energy, etc., then ... he should develop those [three enlightenment factors] beginning with investigation-of-states..." (i.e., dhamma vicaya, viriya, piti).
  • "When his mind is agitated through over-energeticness, etc., then ... he should develop those [three enlightenment factors] beginning with tranquility..." (i.e., passaddhi, samadhi, upekkha).[11]

Meditation edit

Balancing enlightenment factors & hindrances
to be used when experiencing
sloth & torpor (thīna-middha)
to regain mindfulness
the balancing factor
to be used when experiencing
restlessness & worry
(uddhacca-kukkucca)
to regain mindfulness

The seven factors of awakening are closely related to the practice of dhyana, resembling the various factors that are part of the four dhyanas.[12]

In meditation everyone most likely experiences two of the five hindrances (Pāli: pañca nīvaraṇāni). They are sloth and torpor (Pāli: thīna-middha), which is half-hearted action with little or no collectedness, and restlessness and worry (uddhacca-kukkucca), which is the inability to calm the mind.[citation needed]

As indicated above, in the "Fire Discourse" (SN 46.53), it is recommended that joy or rapture, investigation, and energy are to be developed when experiencing sloth and torpor. Relaxation, concentration, and equanimity are to be developed when experiencing restlessness or worry. Mindfulness should be constantly present to remain aware of physical change as well as mental change in either skillful or unskillful direction.[9]

See also edit

  • Five Strengths – Buddhist philosophical concept
  • Iddhipāda – Compound term composed of power, potency, base, basis or constituent
  • Pāramitā – Buddhist qualities for spiritual perfection
  • Reality in Buddhism – Buddhist system of natural laws which constitute the natural order of things

References edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ See, e.g., Rhys Davids & Stede (1921–1925), entry for "Samādhi," retrieved 3 Feb. 2011 from "U.Chicago" at "The Pali Text Society's Pali-English dictionary". Archived from the original on 2012-07-09. Retrieved 2012-08-17. .
  2. ^ Lusthaus (2014), p. 113.
  3. ^ For instance, see Rhys Davids & Stede (1921–1925), p. 490, entry for "Bojjhanga" (retrieved 10 Jul 2007).
  4. ^ Critical Pali Dictionary, aṅga
  5. ^ Bodhi (2000), p. 1499.
  6. ^ Bhikkhu Sutta (SN 46.5), trans. Bodhi (2000), p. 1574. See also Walshe (1985), n. 265.
  7. ^ For an example of a discourse that includes the juxtaposition of these two sets of phenomena, see the Satipatthana Sutta. For a group of discourses in which these two sets of phenomena are juxtaposed, see SN 46.31 to 46.40 (Bodhi (2000), pp. 1501, 1589–94).
  8. ^ SN 46.54, variously known as the Mettaasahagata Sutta (CSCD) or Metta Sutta (SLTP) or Metta.m Sutta (PTS Feer). See Bodhi (2000), pp. 1607–11; Walshe (1985), pp. 71–73, sutta 59.
  9. ^ a b "Fire Discourse" (Aggi Sutta, SN 46.53) (Bodhi (2000), pp. 1605–7; Walshe (1985), pp. 69–70, sutta 58).
  10. ^ Gilana Sutta (SN 46.16) Piyadassi Thera (1999); Piyadassi Thera (n.d.)
  11. ^ Buddhaghosa (1999), pp. 129, 131. Note that Buddhaghosa clearly references the last six bojjhangas in the last two cited statements. The first statement about sati (mindfulness), while immediately preceding mention of the bojjhangas, is technically in reference to the five spiritual faculties (indriya). See also SN 46.53 (Bodhi (2000), pp. 1605–7; Walshe (1985), pp. 69–70, sutta 58).
  12. ^ Gethin (2001), ch. 5; and Arbel (2018).

Works cited edit

  • Arbel, K. (2018). Early Buddhist Meditation: The Four Jhanas as the Actualization of Insight. Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 978-0367111373.
  • Bodhi, Bhikkhu (trans.) (2000). The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya. Boston: Wisdom Pubs. ISBN 0-86171-331-1.
  • Buddhaghosa (1999). The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga. Translated by Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli. Seattle: BPS Pariyatti Editions. ISBN 1-928706-00-2.
  • Gethin, R. (2001). The Buddhist Path to Awakening. Oneworld Publications. ISBN 978-1851682850.
  • Lusthaus, Dan (2014). Buddhist Phenomenology: A Philosophical Investigation of Yogacara Buddhism and the Ch'eng Wei-shih Lun. Routledge.[ISBN missing]
  • Piyadassi Thera, trans. (1999). "Gilana Sutta: Ill (Factors of Enlightenment)". Access to Insight. Retrieved 10 July 2007. (Samyutta Nikaya 46.16).
  • Piyadassi Thera, trans. (n.d.). "Factors of Enlightenment". BuddhaNet.net. In The Book of Protection. Retrieved 2024-01-04. (Maha Cunda Thera Bojjhanga).
  • Rhys Davids, T. W.; Stede, William, eds. (1921–1925). The Pali Text Society's Pali–English Dictionary. Chipstead: Pali Text Society. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  • Walshe, Maurice O'C. (2007) [1985]. "Samyutta Nikaya: An Anthology". Access to Insight. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. Retrieved 2008-11-09.

External links edit

April 11, 2024
seven, factors, awakening, buddhism, pali, satta, bojjhaṅ, satta, sambojjhaṅ, sapta, bodhyanga, mindfulness, sati, sanskrit, smṛti, maintain, awareness, reality, particular, teachings, dhamma, investigation, nature, reality, dhamma, vicaya, dharmapravicaya, en. In Buddhism the Seven Factors of Awakening Pali satta bojjhaṅ ga or satta sambojjhaṅ ga Skt sapta bodhyanga are Mindfulness sati Sanskrit smṛti To maintain awareness of reality in particular the teachings dhamma Investigation of the nature of reality dhamma vicaya Skt dharmapravicaya Energy viriya Skt virya also determination effort Joy or rapture piti Skt priti Relaxation or tranquility passaddhi Skt prashrabdhi of both body and mind Concentration samadhi a calm one pointed state of mind 1 or bringing the buried latencies or samskaras into full view 2 Equanimity upekkha Skt upeksha To accept reality as it is yatha bhuta without craving or aversion Monk meditating beside Sirikit Dam in Thailand This evaluation of seven awakening factors is one of the Seven Sets of Awakening related states bodhipakkhiyadhamma The Pali word bojjhanga is a compound of bodhi awakening enlightenment and anga factor 3 Contents 1 Etymology 2 Pali literature 2 1 Sutta Pitaka 2 2 Abhidhamma and commentarial literature 3 Meditation 4 See also 5 References 5 1 Notes 5 2 Works cited 6 External linksEtymology editSatta sambojjhaṅga satta seven sam a prefix meaning complete full highest bojjh i lt bodhi an abstract noun formed from the verbal root budh to awake become aware notice know or understand corresponding to the verbs bujjhati Pali and bodhati or budhyate Sanskrit aṅga a part of a whole factor cause 4 Pali literature editIn the Sutta Pitaka s Samyutta Nikaya the bojjhangas refer to wholesome mundane factors leading to enlightenment In the Abhidhamma and Pali commentaries the bojjhangas tend to refer to supramundane factors concurrent with enlightenment 5 Sutta Pitaka edit According to one discourse in the Samyutta Nikaya entitled Bhikkhu Sutta SN 46 5 Bhikkhu Venerable sir it is said factors of enlightenment factors of enlightenment In what sense are they called factors of enlightenment Buddha They lead to enlightenment bhikkhu therefore they are called factors of enlightenment 6 During meditation one may contemplate the seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as on their antithesis the Five Hindrances sensual pleasure ill will sloth torpor restlessness worry doubt 7 In addition one Samyutta Nikaya sutta identifies developing each of the enlightenment factors accompanied by each of the four brahma viharas loving kindness compassion sympathetic joy equanimity 8 In the Samyutta Nikaya s Fire Discourse the Buddha identifies that mindfulness is always useful sabbatthika while when one s mind is sluggish one should develop the enlightenment factors of investigation energy and joy and when one s mind is excited one should develop the enlightenment factors of tranquility concentration and equanimity 9 Again according to the Samyutta Nikaya once when the Buddha was gravely ill he asked Venerable Mahacunda to recite the seven Factors of Enlightenment to him In such a way the Buddha was cured of his illness 10 Abhidhamma and commentarial literature edit In the Visuddhimagga in a section discussing skills needed for the attainment and maintenance of absorption jhana Buddhaghosa identifies the bojjhangas in the following fashion Strong mindfulness is needed in all instances When his mind is slack with over laxness of energy etc then he should develop those three enlightenment factors beginning with investigation of states i e dhamma vicaya viriya piti When his mind is agitated through over energeticness etc then he should develop those three enlightenment factors beginning with tranquility i e passaddhi samadhi upekkha 11 Meditation editBalancing enlightenment factors amp hindrancesJoy or rapture piti Investigation dhamma vicaya Energy viriya to be used when experiencingsloth amp torpor thina middha to regain mindfulnessMindfulness sati the balancing factorRelaxation passaddhi Concentration samadhi Equanimity upekkha to be used when experiencingrestlessness amp worry uddhacca kukkucca to regain mindfulnessThe seven factors of awakening are closely related to the practice of dhyana resembling the various factors that are part of the four dhyanas 12 In meditation everyone most likely experiences two of the five hindrances Pali panca nivaraṇani They are sloth and torpor Pali thina middha which is half hearted action with little or no collectedness and restlessness and worry uddhacca kukkucca which is the inability to calm the mind citation needed As indicated above in the Fire Discourse SN 46 53 it is recommended that joy or rapture investigation and energy are to be developed when experiencing sloth and torpor Relaxation concentration and equanimity are to be developed when experiencing restlessness or worry Mindfulness should be constantly present to remain aware of physical change as well as mental change in either skillful or unskillful direction 9 See also editFive Strengths Buddhist philosophical concept Iddhipada Compound term composed of power potency base basis or constituent Paramita Buddhist qualities for spiritual perfection Reality in Buddhism Buddhist system of natural laws which constitute the natural order of thingsReferences editNotes edit See e g Rhys Davids amp Stede 1921 1925 entry for Samadhi retrieved 3 Feb 2011 from U Chicago at The Pali Text Society s Pali English dictionary Archived from the original on 2012 07 09 Retrieved 2012 08 17 Lusthaus 2014 p 113 For instance see Rhys Davids amp Stede 1921 1925 p 490 entry for Bojjhanga retrieved 10 Jul 2007 Critical Pali Dictionary aṅga Bodhi 2000 p 1499 Bhikkhu Sutta SN 46 5 trans Bodhi 2000 p 1574 See also Walshe 1985 harvp error no target CITEREFWalshe1985 help n 265 For an example of a discourse that includes the juxtaposition of these two sets of phenomena see the Satipatthana Sutta For a group of discourses in which these two sets of phenomena are juxtaposed see SN 46 31 to 46 40 Bodhi 2000 pp 1501 1589 94 SN 46 54 variously known as the Mettaasahagata Sutta CSCD or Metta Sutta SLTP or Metta m Sutta PTS Feer See Bodhi 2000 pp 1607 11 Walshe 1985 pp 71 73harvp error no target CITEREFWalshe1985 help sutta 59 a b Fire Discourse Aggi Sutta SN 46 53 Bodhi 2000 pp 1605 7 Walshe 1985 pp 69 70harvp error no target CITEREFWalshe1985 help sutta 58 Gilana Sutta SN 46 16 Piyadassi Thera 1999 Piyadassi Thera n d Buddhaghosa 1999 pp 129 131 Note that Buddhaghosa clearly references the last six bojjhangas in the last two cited statements The first statement about sati mindfulness while immediately preceding mention of the bojjhangas is technically in reference to the five spiritual faculties indriya See also SN 46 53 Bodhi 2000 pp 1605 7 Walshe 1985 pp 69 70harvp error no target CITEREFWalshe1985 help sutta 58 Gethin 2001 ch 5 and Arbel 2018 Works cited edit Arbel K 2018 Early Buddhist Meditation The Four Jhanas as the Actualization of Insight Taylor amp Francis Group ISBN 978 0367111373 Bodhi Bhikkhu trans 2000 The Connected Discourses of the Buddha A Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya Boston Wisdom Pubs ISBN 0 86171 331 1 Buddhaghosa 1999 The Path of Purification Visuddhimagga Translated by Bhikkhu Naṇamoli Seattle BPS Pariyatti Editions ISBN 1 928706 00 2 Gethin R 2001 The Buddhist Path to Awakening Oneworld Publications ISBN 978 1851682850 Lusthaus Dan 2014 Buddhist Phenomenology A Philosophical Investigation of Yogacara Buddhism and the Ch eng Wei shih Lun Routledge ISBN missing Piyadassi Thera trans 1999 Gilana Sutta Ill Factors of Enlightenment Access to Insight Retrieved 10 July 2007 Samyutta Nikaya 46 16 Piyadassi Thera trans n d Factors of Enlightenment BuddhaNet net In The Book of Protection Retrieved 2024 01 04 Maha Cunda Thera Bojjhanga Rhys Davids T W Stede William eds 1921 1925 The Pali Text Society s Pali English Dictionary Chipstead Pali Text Society Retrieved 2024 01 04 Walshe Maurice O C 2007 1985 Samyutta Nikaya An Anthology Access to Insight Kandy Buddhist Publication Society Retrieved 2008 11 09 External links editThanissaro Bhikkhu trans 1997 Himavanta Sutta The Himalayas On the Factors for Awakening SN 46 1 Retrieved from Access to Insight at http www accesstoinsight org canon sutta samyutta sn46 001 html Seven Factors of Enlightenment by Ven Vimalaramsi The Seven Factors of Enlightenment by Piyadassi Thera The Seven Factors of Enlightenment by Ven Ariyadhamma Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Seven Factors of Awakening amp oldid 1193650339, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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