The Buddha describes the four powers, explaining this fourfold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 4.152 The Power of Faith

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, balāni. Katamāni cattāri? Saddhābalaṁ, vīriyabalaṁ, satibalaṁ, samādhibalaṁ Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri balānī”ti.

Dutiyaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, balāni.

“Mendicants, there are these four powers.

Katamāni cattāri?

What four?

Saddhābalaṁ, vīriyabalaṁ, satibalaṁ, samādhibalaṁ

The powers of faith, energy, mindfulness, and immersion.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri balānī”ti.

These are the four powers.”

Dutiyaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

Collectedness

Collectedness

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: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction, self-assurance
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Active presence of mind and lucid retention; the faculty that remembers the Dhamma, anchors attention to the chosen object or present experience, and guards the mind against unwholesome states.

Also known as: recollecting, remembering, keeping in mind, presence, awareness
Pāli: sati, anussati
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Vigour

Vigour

Energetic effort and resilience in practice. It is the refusal to shrink back, the 'uphill' force that initiates and sustains wholesome actions against the gravity of habit.

Also known as: energy, effort, enthusiasm, zeal, application of will, persistence
Pāli: vīriya
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Last updated on July 27, 2026