The Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Skt. smṛtyupasthāna, Pali satipaṭṭhāna) are a classic Buddhist meditation practice, described notably in the Satipatthana Sutta. It covers four areas of observation:
- Mindfulness of the body (kāyānupassanā) – observation of the breath, bodily posture, its elements, and its impermanence (e.g., through contemplation of decay).
- Mindfulness of feelings/sensations (vedanānupassanā) – recognizing sensations as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral, without identifying with them.
- Mindfulness of the mind (cittānupassanā) – observing states of mind (e.g., whether it is greedy, calm, or distracted), without judgment.
- Mindfulness of mental phenomena/objects (dhammānupassanā) – observing the contents of the mind in light of the Buddha’s teachings, such as the five hindrances, the aggregates (skandhas), dependent origination, or the Four Noble Truths.
Purpose of the practice of the four foundations is to develop clear, non-judgmental insight into reality as it is – leading to insight into impermanence, the absence of a lasting “self”, and the nature of suffering, which is ultimately meant to lead to liberation.
In the Tibetan tradition, these four foundations are often the starting point for shine (calm-abiding) and lhagtong (insight) practices, which precede more advanced practices such as mahamudra.