Mindful

At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, in Ambapālī’s mango grove. ^[1]

There the Buddha addressed the mendicants,

“Mendicants!”

“Venerable sir,” they replied.

The Buddha said this:

“Mendicants, a mendicant should live mindful and aware. ^[2]

This is my instruction to you.

And how is a mendicant mindful?

It’s when a mendicant 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.

That’s how a mendicant is mindful.

And how is a mendicant aware?

It’s when a mendicant acts with situational awareness when going out and coming back; when looking ahead and aside; when bending and extending the limbs; when bearing the outer robe, bowl and robes; when eating, drinking, chewing, and tasting; when urinating and defecating; when walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, waking, speaking, and keeping silent. ^[3]

That’s how a mendicant acts with situational awareness. ^[4]

A mendicant should live mindful and aware.

This is my instruction to you.”