The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English

In simple and straightforward language, Bhante Gunaratana shares what the Buddha said about mindfulness in his instructional talks and how we can use these principles to improve our daily lives, deepen our mindfulness, and move closer to our spiritual goals. While this book is based on a classic text, the Satipatthana Sutta, its presentation is thoroughly modern in Bhantes trademark “plain English” style.

The practice of contemplating—or as we might say, meditating on—the Four Foundations: mindfulness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena themselves, is recommended for people at every stage of the spiritual path. As the Buddha says, everyone—people new to meditation as well as monks and nuns, and even advanced meditator masters who have already reached the goal of liberation from suffering, “should be exhorted, settled, and established in the development of these Four Foundations of Mindfulness.”

Deeply contemplating, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness can lead to several benefits:

First, meditation helps us become fully aware of what is going on in the mind and body here and now. All too often, we sleepwalk through our days, musing about the past or daydreaming about the future. Second, because of this new awareness, we are able to evaluate more clearly the purpose and suitability of everything we say and do. As a result, we make wiser and more beneficial choices. Third, meditation trains us to see our own body, feelings, perceptions, thoughts, and consciousness exactly as they are, from moment to moment. Seeing ourselves clearly is the essential first step to making positive life changes.

Bhante Gunaratana, in his trademark style, renders in plain English what the Buddha said about mindfulness, providing clear instructions on how these principles can be used to improve daily life, deepen mindfulness, and move closer to spiritual goals. Though his presentation is based on a classic text, the Satipatthana Sutta, it is thoroughly modern. The practice of contemplating the Four Foundations—mindfulness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena themselves—is recommended for people at every stage of the spiritual path. As the Buddha says, everyone “should be exhorted, settled, and established in the development of these Four Foundations of Mindfulness.”