How much practice makes one a true practitioner? The Buddha declares that even a “finger snap” of cultivation fulfills the Teacher's instruction. A rapid-fire survey of the path's essential practices, emphasizing that if a moment is worthy, frequent practice is beyond measure.

AN 1.394-574  Aparaaccharāsaṅghāta vagga - The Chapter on the Finger Snap

1.394

“Accharāsaṅghātamattampi ce, bhikkhave, bhikkhu paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ bhāveti, ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave: ‘bhikkhu arittajjhāno viharati, satthusāsanakaro ovādapatikaro, amoghaṁ raṭṭhapiṇḍaṁ bhuñjati’. Ko pana vādo ye naṁ bahulīkarontī”ti.

“Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu |develops::cultivates [bhāveti]| the first jhāna even for just the time of a finger snap, he is called a bhikkhu who is not devoid of jhāna, who lives in accordance with the Teacher’s instruction, who follows his guidance, and who does not eat the country’s alms food in vain. How much more, then, for those who practice it frequently!”

1.395–401

“Accharāsaṅghātamattampi ce, bhikkhave, bhikkhu dutiyaṁ jhānaṁ bhāveti …pe… tatiyaṁ jhānaṁ bhāveti …pe… catutthaṁ jhānaṁ bhāveti …pe… mettaṁ cetovimuttiṁ bhāveti …pe… karuṇaṁ cetovimuttiṁ bhāveti …pe… muditaṁ cetovimuttiṁ bhāveti …pe… upekkhaṁ cetovimuttiṁ bhāveti …pe….

“Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu develops the second jhāna … the third jhāna … the fourth jhāna … the liberation of mind by |loving-kindness::goodwill, friendliness, benevolence [metta]| … the liberation of mind by |compassion::mental quality of wise empathy in response to suffering, which counters qualities of harm or cruelty [karuṇā]| … the liberation of mind by |appreciative joy::mental quality of rejoicing in the success and happiness of others, which counters envy [muditā]| … the liberation of mind by |equanimity::mental poise, mental balance, equipoise, non-reactivity, composure [upekkha]| …

1.402–405

Kāye kāyānupassī viharati ātāpī sampajāno satimā vineyya loke abhijjhādomanassaṁ …pe… vedanāsu vedanānupassī viharati citte cittānupassī viharati dhammesu dhammānupassī viharati ātāpī sampajāno satimā vineyya loke abhijjhādomanassaṁ.

He dwells observing the body in and of itself, |with continuous effort::ardent, zealous, with energy, with application [ātāpī]|, clearly aware and being present, having removed |craving and distress::greediness and dissatisfaction, wanting and unhappiness, craving and aversion [abhijjhā + domanassa]| with regard to the world. He dwells observing the |felt experience::pleasant, neutral, or painful sensation, feeling felt on contact through eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind; second of the five aggregates [vedanā]| in and of itself, with continuous effort, clearly aware and being present, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world. He dwells observing the |mind::the faculty of thought and intention, often restless or wandering [citta]| in and of itself, with continuous effort, clearly aware and being present, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world. He dwells observing the |mental qualities::characteristics, traits, and tendencies of the mind, shaped by repeated actions and sustained attention, guided by particular ways of understanding; they may be wholesome or unwholesome, bright or dark [dhammā]| in and of themselves, with continuous effort, clearly aware and being present, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world.

1.406–409

Anuppannānaṁ pāpakānaṁ akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ anuppādāya chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati; uppannānaṁ pāpakānaṁ akusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ pahānāya chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati. Anuppannānaṁ kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ uppādāya chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati; uppannānaṁ kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ ṭhitiyā asammosāya bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya bhāvanāya pāripūriyā chandaṁ janeti vāyamati vīriyaṁ ārabhati cittaṁ paggaṇhāti padahati.

He produces |a wholesome motivation::an aspiration, a goal, an interest, an objective [chanda]|, |exerts effort::engages in intentional effort [vāyamati]|, |initiates and sustains energy::the initial spark of motivation and action along with the persistence needed to follow through, even as challenges arise [vīriya + ārabhati]|, |uplifts::befriends and holds it up [paggaṇhāti]| the mind, and strives to prevent the arising of unarisen |harmful::injurious, bad, or evil. Encompasses the deceptively alluring that is ultimately detrimental or ruinous [pāpaka]| and |unwholesome::unhealthy, unskillful, unbeneficial, or karmically unprofitable [akusala]| qualities; he produces a wholesome motivation, exerts effort, initiates and sustains energy, uplifts the mind, and strives for the |giving up::letting go, abandoning, removing [pahāna]| of arisen harmful and unwholesome qualities; he produces a wholesome motivation, exerts effort, initiates and sustains energy, uplifts the mind, and strives for the |arising::appearance, coming into being [uppāda]| of unarisen |wholesome::healthy, beneficial, useful [kusala]| qualities; he produces a wholesome motivation, exerts effort, initiates and sustains energy, uplifts the mind, and strives for the |stability::establishment, constancy, continuity [ṭhiti]| and |retention::non-confusion and non-decline [asammosa]|, |growth::further development, multiplication [bhiyyobhāva]| and |full development::expansion and maturity [vepulla]| of arisen wholesome qualities.

1.410-413

Chandasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṁ iddhipādaṁ bhāveti vīriyasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṁ iddhipādaṁ bhāveti cittasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṁ iddhipādaṁ bhāveti vīmaṁsāsamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṁ iddhipādaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the |basis of psychic power::basis for spiritual power, paths to supernormal ability [iddhipāda]| that is endowed with |collectedness::stability of mind, stillness of mind, mental composure [samādhi]| arising from |aspiration::a goal, an interest, an objective, i.e. a wholesome motivation [chanda]| and accompanied by intentional effort. He develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with collectedness arising from |determination::will power, energy [vīriya]| and accompanied by intentional effort. He develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with collectedness arising from |[purification of] mind::purification of heart [citta]| and accompanied by intentional effort. He develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with collectedness arising from |investigation::consideration, reflection, and examination [vīmaṃsā]| and accompanied by intentional effort.

1.414-418

Saddhindriyaṁ bhāveti vīriyindriyaṁ bhāveti satindriyaṁ bhāveti samādhindriyaṁ bhāveti paññindriyaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the faculty of |faith::confidence, conviction, trust [saddha]| … the faculty of |energy::willpower, determination [vīriya]| … the faculty of |mindfulness::memory, remembering, recollection, keeping in mind [sati]| … the faculty of |collectedness::stability of mind, stillness of mind, mental composure [samādhi]| … the faculty of |wisdom::distinctive knowledge, discernment [pañña]| …

1.419-423

Saddhābalaṁ bhāveti vīriyabalaṁ bhāveti satibalaṁ bhāveti samādhibalaṁ bhāveti paññābalaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the power of faith … the power of energy … the power of mindfulness … the power of collectedness … the power of wisdom …

1.424-430

Satisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti vīriyasambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti pītisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti passaddhisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti samādhisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti upekkhāsambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the |awakening factor of mindfulness::the quality of mindfulness leading to full awakening, remembering as a factor of enlightenment; first of the seven awakening factors [satisambojjhaṅga]| … the |awakening factor of investigation of states::the quality of discriminative investigation into states, mental qualities and other phenomena; analyzing the teaching as a factor of enlightenment; second of the seven awakening factors [dhammavicayasambojjhaṅga]| … the |awakening factor of energy::the quality of unrelenting effort, the sustaining power of persistence as a factor of enlightenment; third of the seven awakening factors [vīriyasambojjhaṅga]| … the |awakening factor of joy::the quality of heartfelt gladness, spiritual rapture untainted by sensuality, as a factor of enlightenment; fourth of the seven awakening factors [pītisambojjhaṅga]| … the |awakening factor of tranquility::the quality of inner stillness, bodily and mental calm, as a factor of enlightenment; fifth of the seven awakening factors [passaddhisambojjhaṅga]| … the |awakening factor of collectedness::the quality of unification, stability, and deep stillness of the mind, as a factor of enlightenment; sixth of the seven awakening factors [samādhisambojjhaṅga]| … the |awakening factor of equanimity::the quality of balanced observation, non-reactivity, and mental equipoise as a factor of enlightenment; seventh of the seven awakening factors [upekkhāsambojjhaṅga]| …

1.431-438

Sammādiṭṭhiṁ bhāveti sammāsaṅkappaṁ bhāveti sammāvācaṁ bhāveti sammākammantaṁ bhāveti sammāājīvaṁ bhāveti sammāvāyāmaṁ bhāveti sammāsatiṁ bhāveti sammāsamādhiṁ bhāveti ….

He develops right view … right intention … right speech … right action … right livelihood … right effort … right mindfulness … right collectedness …

1.439-446

Ajjhattaṁ rūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati parittāni suvaṇṇadubbaṇṇāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ rūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati appamāṇāni suvaṇṇadubbaṇṇāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati parittāni suvaṇṇadubbaṇṇāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati appamāṇāni suvaṇṇadubbaṇṇāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati nīlāni nīlavaṇṇāni nīlanidassanāni nīlanibhāsāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati pītāni pītavaṇṇāni pītanidassanāni pītanibhāsāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati lohitakāni lohitakavaṇṇāni lohitakanidassanāni lohitakanibhāsāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti. ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati odātāni odātavaṇṇāni odātanidassanāni odātanibhāsāni. Tāni abhibhuyya: ‘jānāmi passāmī’ti evaṁsaññī hoti.

Perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, limited, beautiful or ugly, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, |limitless::immeasurable, boundless [appamāṇa]|, beautiful or ugly, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, limited, beautiful or ugly, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, limitless, beautiful or ugly, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, blue, blue in color, blue in appearance, shining blue, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, yellow, yellow in color, yellow in appearance, shining yellow, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, red, red in color, red in appearance, shining red, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see’ … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally, white, white in color, white in appearance, shining white, and having overcome them, is percipient thus: ‘I know, I see.’

1.447–454

Rūpī rūpāni passati ajjhattaṁ arūpasaññī bahiddhā rūpāni passati subhanteva adhimutto hoti sabbaso rūpasaññānaṁ samatikkamā paṭighasaññānaṁ atthaṅgamā nānattasaññānaṁ amanasikārā ananto ākāsoti ākāsānañcāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati sabbaso ākāsānañcāyatanaṁ samatikkamma anantaṁ viññāṇanti viññāṇañcāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati sabbaso viññāṇañcāyatanaṁ samatikkamma natthi kiñcīti ākiñcaññāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati sabbaso ākiñcaññāyatanaṁ samatikkamma nevasaññānāsaññāyatanaṁ upasampajja viharati sabbaso nevasaññānāsaññāyatanaṁ samatikkamma saññāvedayitanirodhaṁ upasampajja viharati ….

Possessing form, he sees forms … Not perceiving form internally, he sees forms externally … He is intent only on the beautiful … With the complete surpassing of |perceptions of form::recognition of matter, concept of materiality [rūpasaññā]|, with the disappearance of |perception of sensory impact::recognition of sense impression, aversion; lit. striking against perception [paṭighasaññā]|, and non-attention to |perception of diversity::recognition of diversity, perception of multiplicity [nānattasaññā]|, the bhikkhu enters upon and abides in the |base of boundless space::field of boundless expanse, sometimes translated as dimension of infinite space [ākāsānañcāyatana]|, aware that ‘space is boundless’ … With the complete surpassing of the base of boundless space, aware that ‘consciousness is boundless,’ he enters upon and dwells in the base of boundless consciousness … With the complete surpassing of the base of boundless consciousness, aware that ‘there is nothing,’ he enters upon and dwells in the base of nothingness … With the complete surpassing of the base of nothingness, he enters upon and dwells in the base of neither perception nor non-perception … With the complete surpassing of the base of neither perception nor non-perception, he enters upon and dwells in the |cessation of perception and what is felt::ending of recognition and felt experience, cessation of conception and what is felt [saññāvedayitanirodha]|.

1.455–464

Pathavikasiṇaṁ bhāveti āpokasiṇaṁ bhāveti tejokasiṇaṁ bhāveti vāyokasiṇaṁ bhāveti nīlakasiṇaṁ bhāveti pītakasiṇaṁ bhāveti lohitakasiṇaṁ bhāveti odātakasiṇaṁ bhāveti ākāsakasiṇaṁ bhāveti viññāṇakasiṇaṁ bhāveti …. (…)

He develops the |earth kasiṇa::total earth [pathavikasiṇa]| … develops the water kasiṇa … develops the fire kasiṇa … develops the wind kasiṇa … develops the blue kasiṇa … develops the yellow kasiṇa … develops the red kasiṇa … develops the white kasiṇa … develops the |space kasiṇa::total space [ākāsakasiṇa]| … the |consciousness kasiṇa::universal consciousness, single consciousness [viññāṇakasiṇa]| …

1.465–474

Asubhasaññaṁ bhāveti maraṇasaññaṁ bhāveti āhāre paṭikūlasaññaṁ bhāveti sabbaloke anabhiratisaññaṁ bhāveti aniccasaññaṁ bhāveti anicce dukkhasaññaṁ bhāveti dukkhe anattasaññaṁ bhāveti pahānasaññaṁ bhāveti virāgasaññaṁ bhāveti nirodhasaññaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the perception of |unattractiveness::disagreeableness, recognizing the not aesthetically pleasing characteristics [asubha]| … develops the perception of death … develops the perception of unpleasantness of food … develops the |perception of non-delight in::recognition of disenchantment with [anabhiratisaññā]| the whole world … develops the the perception of |impermanence::instability [anicca]| … develops the perception of |unsatisfactoriness::having the quality of being distressing, unfulfilling, marked by discontentment [dukkha]| in impermanence … develops the perception of |not-self::not suitable to identify with, impersonality [anatta]| in unsatisfactoriness … develops the |perception of abandoning::recognition of letting go [pahānasaññā]| … develops the perception of |dispassion::fading of desire, absence of lust [virāga]| … develops the |perception of ending::recognition of cessation [nirodha]| …

1.475–484

Aniccasaññaṁ bhāveti anattasaññaṁ bhāveti maraṇasaññaṁ bhāveti āhāre paṭikūlasaññaṁ bhāveti sabbaloke anabhiratisaññaṁ bhāveti aṭṭhikasaññaṁ bhāveti puḷavakasaññaṁ bhāveti vinīlakasaññaṁ bhāveti vicchiddakasaññaṁ bhāveti uddhumātakasaññaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the perception of impermanence … develops the perception of not-self … develops the perception of death … develops the perception of unpleasantness of food … develops the perception of non-delight in the whole world … develops the perception of a skeleton … develops the perception of a worm infested corpse … develops the perception of a |livid::dark blue grayish in color [vinīlaka]| corpse … develops the perception of a fissured corpse … the perception of a bloated corpse …

1.485–494

Buddhānussatiṁ bhāveti dhammānussatiṁ bhāveti saṅghānussatiṁ bhāveti sīlānussatiṁ bhāveti cāgānussatiṁ bhāveti devatānussatiṁ bhāveti ānāpānassatiṁ bhāveti maraṇassatiṁ bhāveti kāyagatāsatiṁ bhāveti upasamānussatiṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the |recollection of the Buddha::reflection on the qualities of the Buddha [buddhānussati]| … develops the recollection of the |Dhamma::teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth [dhamma]| … develops the recollection of the |Saṅgha::The community of monks and nuns practicing in line with the Buddha’s teachings. In the broader sense, this is the community of disciples who have realized the noble path and fruition through the Buddha’s teachings [saṅgha]| … develops the recollection of one’s |virtue::moral conduct, ethical behavior [sīla]| … develops the recollection of one’s |generosity::sharing, relinquishment [cāga]| … develops the recollection of the divine beings … develops the |mindfulness of in-and-out breathing::mindfulness during inhalation and exhalation [ānāpānassati]| … develops the |recollection of death::reflection on the inevitability of death [maraṇassati]| … develops the |mindfulness directed to the body::dwelling in the body [kāyagatāsati]| … develops the recollection of |tranquility::calmness, serenity, stillness, peace [upasama]| …

1.495–574

Paṭhamajjhānasahagataṁ saddhindriyaṁ bhāveti vīriyindriyaṁ bhāveti satindriyaṁ bhāveti samādhindriyaṁ bhāveti paññindriyaṁ bhāveti saddhābalaṁ bhāveti vīriyabalaṁ bhāveti satibalaṁ bhāveti samādhibalaṁ bhāveti paññābalaṁ bhāveti ….

He develops the faculty of faith accompanied by the first jhāna … the faculty of energy … the faculty of mindfulness … the faculty of collectedness … the faculty of wisdom … the power of faith … the power of energy … the power of mindfulness … the power of collectedness … the power of wisdom …

Dutiyajjhānasahagataṁ …pe…

Accompanied by the second jhāna …

tatiyajjhānasahagataṁ …pe…

Accompanied by the third jhāna …

catutthajjhānasahagataṁ …pe…

Accompanied by the fourth jhāna …

mettāsahagataṁ …pe…

Accompanied by loving-kindness …

karuṇāsahagataṁ …pe…

Accompanied by compassion …

muditāsahagataṁ …pe…

Accompanied by appreciative joy …

upekkhāsahagataṁ saddhindriyaṁ bhāveti vīriyindriyaṁ bhāveti satindriyaṁ bhāveti samādhindriyaṁ bhāveti paññindriyaṁ bhāveti saddhābalaṁ bhāveti vīriyabalaṁ bhāveti satibalaṁ bhāveti samādhibalaṁ bhāveti paññābalaṁ bhāveti.

He develops the faculty of faith accompanied by equanimity … the faculty of energy … the faculty of mindfulness … the faculty of collectedness … the faculty of wisdom … the power of faith … the power of energy … the power of mindfulness … the power of collectedness … the power of wisdom.

Ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave: ‘bhikkhu arittajjhāno viharati satthusāsanakaro ovādapatikaro, amoghaṁ raṭṭhapiṇḍaṁ bhuñjati’. Ko pana vādo ye naṁ bahulīkarontī”ti.

This is called, bhikkhus: ‘A bhikkhu who is not devoid of jhāna, who lives in accordance with the Teacher’s instruction, who follows his guidance, and who does not eat the country’s alms food in vain.’ How much more, then, for those who practice it frequently!”

Topics & Qualities:

Jhana

Jhana

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: absorption, concentration, collectedness, mental composure, stability of mind, undistracted awareness
Pāli: jhāna, samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Clear awareness

Clear awareness

Clear comprehension that accompanies mindfulness, knowing what one is doing and why. Clear awareness keeps the mind steady, intentional, and free from distraction.

Also known as: clear awareness, clear comprehension, being intentional, deliberate, purposeful
Pāli: sampajañña, sampajāna
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Continuous effort

Continuous effort

The flame of effort. It is the application of diligence put into moment-to-moment continuity

Also known as: unremitting effort, ardent, persistent, zealous, unflagging endeavor
Pāli: ātāpī, parakkamma
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Cultivation

Cultivation

The active practice of 'bringing into being' wholesome states. It is the deliberate nurturing of the bright state of mind.

Also known as: development, improvement, meditation, nurturing, growth
Pāli: bhāvanā
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Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Remembering to be present with continuous effort, observing the body, feelings, mind, and mental qualities in and of themselves.

Also known as: recollecting, remembering, keeping in mind, presence, awareness
Pāli: sati, anupassanā
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Right effort

Right effort

Energy and resolve directed toward preventing unwholesome states from arising, abandoning arisen unwholesome states, cultivating wholesome states, and maintaining arisen wholesome states; persistent application of the mind aligned with the path.

Also known as: right endeavor, right striving
Pāli: sammāvāyāma
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Wholesome

Wholesome

Conducive to or suggestive of good health and mental well-being.

Also known as: blameless, skillful, beneficial, good, useful, healthy, nourishing, sustaining
Pāli: kusala
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Unwholesome

Unwholesome

Conducive to or suggestive of poor health and mental well-being.

Also known as: blameworthy, unhealthy, unskillful, unbeneficial, karmically unprofitable
Pāli: akusala
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Last updated on February 16, 2026