The four foundations of mindfulness
The discourse lays out observation of body, feelings, mind, and mental objects as the direct path to liberation. Systematic awareness of these four domains is presented as sufficient for awakening.
Mahasatipatthana Sutta
6 ideas
Anapana: awareness of breath
Observation of the natural breath anchors mindfulness of the body. Watching inhalation and exhalation trains continuous, non-reactive attention.
Vedana: observing sensation
The text directs attention to bodily sensations as they arise and pass. Watching feeling without craving or aversion reveals impermanence directly.
Equanimity dissolves reactivity
By observing phenomena without reacting, the practitioner weakens the habit of craving and aversion. Non-identification with experience is the mechanism of freedom the sutta teaches.
Direct experience over belief
Liberation comes from personally observing mind and body, not from doctrine. The path is empirical and introspective rather than devotional.
Impermanence, suffering, non-self
Sustained observation reveals the three marks of all phenomena. Seeing arising and passing firsthand loosens attachment to a fixed self.