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

AN 4.154 The Power of Mindfulness

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, balāni. Katamāni cattāri? Satibalaṁ, samādhibalaṁ, anavajjabalaṁ, saṅgahabalaṁ Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri balānī”ti.

Catutthaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, balāni.

“Mendicants, there are these four powers.

Katamāni cattāri?

What four?

Satibalaṁ, samādhibalaṁ, anavajjabalaṁ, saṅgahabalaṁ

The powers of mindfulness, immersion, blamelessness, and inclusiveness.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri balānī”ti.

These are the four powers.”

Catutthaṁ.

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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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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Last updated on July 27, 2026