The Buddha outlines the six subjects for recollection: the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Saṅgha, virtue, generosity, and the deities.

AN 6.9 Anussatiṭṭhāna sutta - Subjects for Recollection

“Chayimāni, bhikkhave, anussatiṭṭhānāni. Katamāni cha?

“|Bhikkhus,::::| there are six subjects for recollection. What six?

Buddhānussati, dhammānussati, saṅghānussati, sīlānussati, cāgānussati, devatānussati.

1.) The |recollection of the Buddha::reflection on the qualities of the Buddha [buddhānussati]|, 2.) the |recollection of the Dhamma::reflection on the qualities of the teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth [dhammānussati]|, 3.) the |recollection of the Saṅgha::reflection on the qualities of the community of followers of the Buddha, whether lay or monastic, who have attained to one of the four stages of awakening [saṅghānussati]|, 4.) the |recollection of virtue::reflection on the qualities of one’s ethical conduct [sīlānussati]|, 5.) the |recollection of generosity::reflection on the qualities of one’s sharing, also recollection of one’s relinquishing [cāgānussati]|, and 6.) the |recollection of the deities::reflection on the qualities of the deities, gods [devatānussati]|.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cha anussatiṭṭhānānī”ti.

These|, bhikkhus,::::| are the six subjects for recollection.”

Qualities:

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
View all discourses →

Last updated on July 3, 2026