The Meaning of Satipatthana by Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa from 2000 is an explanation of the concept of Satipatthana. Satipatthana is a Pali term often translated to “Four Foundations of Mindfulness” and working with Satipatthana meditation is considered a very important part of the dhamma path as thought in the Theravada tradition in Burma. Download the book here:

The Meaning of Satipatthana

What is Satipatthana?

Satipatthana is a term in Buddhism that refers to the “four foundations of mindfulness.” These foundations are four areas of focus that are used in mindfulness meditation and are seen as key to the development of insight and the attainment of enlightenment.

The four foundations of mindfulness are:

1. Mindfulness of the body: This involves focusing on the physical sensations of the body, such as breathing, posture, and movement.
2. Mindfulness of feelings: This involves paying attention to emotional states and experiences, whether positive or negative.
3. Mindfulness of the mind: This involves becoming aware of the contents of the mind, including thoughts, emotions, and mental states.
4. Mindfulness of phenomena: This involves observing and paying attention to the various phenomena that arise in one’s experience, including physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts.

The practice of satipatthana is seen as a key aspect of the Buddha’s teachings and is often referred to as the “direct path” to enlightenment. It is believed that by developing mindfulness in these four areas, one can gain insight into the true nature of reality and the causes of suffering.