This project, initiated by Buddhhu Cintita of the
Theravada Dhamma Society of Minnesota,
is concerned with revisiting the satipaṭṭhāna teachings in order to develop a coherent understanding that is (1) optimally consistent
with the early Buddhists texts (EBT), (2) viable in terms of modern cognitive science and (3) reflected in practice experience. Almost equal consideration is given to samādhi and the jhānas,
in view of their critical role in the satipaṭṭhāna. The most current drafts of papers within the
framework of this project are available here for download as pdf's.
- Preface. Purpose, methodology and overview of the papers.
- There is no word for 'mindfulness' in Pali. (Semifinal Draft) This reconsiders the twentieth-century understanding of sati as
bare attention from the purview of EBT, in favor of its traditional interpretation as a form of memory, specifically as working memory involved in the acquisition
and performance of skills.
- The satipaṭṭhāna method. (Semifinal Draft) This distinguishes the satipaṭṭhāna method ("ardent, comprehending, and
knowing how, having put away covetousness and grief for the world") from the satipaṭṭhāna practice ("contemplating body as body ... feelings as
feelings, ..."). The method: (1) is what linked etymologically to the term satipaṭṭhāna, (2) is far more general than the practice (it is the skill of skillfulness), and (3) underlies right sati, which "circles around" each of the wisdom and ethics path factors.
- The miracle of samādhi. (Semifinal Draft) This views samādhi from the perspective of the early texts, in favor of what is well documented there: a state of composure that arises spontaneously
where right sati is present, and that has clear functions in perfecting the skill of Buddhist practice, including acheiving insight in
support of the contemplative satipaṭṭhāna task.
- A back-roads tour of the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. (Semifinal Draft) This investigates the details and logic of the famous discourse. It
argues that the fourth satipaṭṭhāna is the most far-reaching basis for contemplating Dhamma, and that the first three are something like thought
experiments, specifically concerned with demonstrating non-self, impermanence and suffering.
- How satipaṭṭhāna teaches non-self. (Semifinal Draft) This looks deeper at the method of analysis invoked
in the various satipaṭṭhāna exercises. It gives particular attention to the meaning and strategy of the refrain that follows each exercise, and
proposes an interpretation of 'internal' and 'external' in terms of epistemic and ontological viewpoints.
- The role of the jhānas in skill acquisition. An investigation of the role of samādhi in the early texts
and in terms of modern understandings of human cognition, with particular attention of how extremely quiet mental states provide a basis for insight.
- The Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta text. An English translation of MN 10, normalized for the technical vocabulary and conceptual framework developed
in this project.
- Glossary. The technical vocabulary and translations of Pali terms developed in this project.
- References. To external literature.
- Satipaṭṭhāna Rethought: A practice guide for contemplating Dhamma.
Submit feedback and comments HERE or
email Bhikkhu Cintita at bhikkhu.cintita@gmail.com.