The Word of the Buddha Clear Comprehension
The Word of the BuddhaIV. The Path that Leads to the Extinction of Suffering
1.3. Body Contemplation with Clear Awareness
Furthermore, a bhikkhu acts with clear awareness when going forward and returning; he acts with clear awareness when looking ahead and looking around; he acts with clear awareness when bending back and stretching out; he acts with clear awareness when wearing robes and carrying outer robe and bowl; he acts with clear awareness when eating, drinking, chewing, and tasting; he acts with clear awareness when defecating and urinating; he acts with clear awareness when walking, standing, sitting, falling asleep, waking up, speaking, and keeping silent.
Thus, he dwells observing the body in and of itself internally, or he dwells observing the body externally, or he dwells observing the body both internally and externally. He dwells observing the arising nature in the body, or he dwells observing the going-away nature in the body, or he dwells observing both the arising and going-away nature in the body. Or else, mindfulness that ‘there is a body’ is simply established in him to the extent necessary for knowledge and remembrance. He dwells independently and does not cling to anything in the world.
In this way too, a bhikkhu dwells observing the body in and of itself.
Last updated on October 20, 2026