དྲན་པ། | Glossary of Terms

This is the faculty which enables the mind to maintain its attention on a referent object, counteracting the arising of forgetfulness, which is a great obstacle to meditative stability. Together with alertness, mindfulness is one of the two indispensable factors for the development of calm abiding.

This is the faculty that enables the mind to maintain its attention on a referent object, counteracting the arising of forgetfulness, which is a great obstacle to meditative stability. Together with alertness, mindfulness is one of the two indispensable factors for the development of calm abiding (Skt. śamatha). Also translated here as “recollection.”

One of the most important trainings for the Buddhist practitioner, it is traditionally taught within the teachings on the four applications of mindfulness.

One of the most important trainings for the Buddhist practitioner. Traditionally taught within the teachings on the four applications of mindfulness.

A positive mental state characterized by recollection of a teaching or object of focus.

The root smṛ may mean to “recollect,” but also simply to “think of” something. “Mindfulness” means, broadly speaking, bringing something to mind, not necessarily something experienced in a distant past but also something just experienced, such as the position of one’s body.

Not forgetting the Buddha’s teachings amid whatever activities one is currently undertaking. See also “three kinds of sterling equanimity.” Closely related to vigilant introspection.

This is the faculty that enables the mind to maintain its attention on a referent object, counteracting the arising of forgetfulness, which is a great obstacle to meditative stability. Together with alertness, recollection is one of the two indispensable factors for the development of calm abiding (Skt. śamatha). Also translated here as “mindfulness.”

Also translated in this sūtra as “attention.”

One of the five powers and five abilities.

Also translated in this sūtra as “recollection.”