The Related Suttas Collection 52.4

1. In Private

At Thorny Wood (1st)

At one time the venerables Anuruddha, Sāriputta, and Mahāmoggallāna were staying near Sāketa, in the Thorny Wood. Then in the late afternoon, Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna came out of retreat, went to Anuruddha, and exchanged greetings with him. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, they sat down to one side. Sāriputta said to Anuruddha:

“Friend Anuruddha, what things should a trainee bhikkhu enter and remain in?”

“Friend Sāriputta, a trainee bhikkhu should enter and remain in the four kinds of mindfulness meditation. What four? It’s when a bhikkhu meditates by observing an aspect of the body—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. They meditate observing an aspect of feelings … mind … principles—keen, aware, and mindful, rid of covetousness and displeasure for the world. A trainee bhikkhu should enter and remain in these four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”