The Buddha teaches a repeated formula on four meditators distinguished by skill in immersion and three on projection and carefulness, declaring the one skilled in both to be foremost, applied across this grouped discourse.

SN 34.50-52 Three on Projection and Carefulness

Sāvatthinidānaṁ

“samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārīsamādhismiṁ sakkaccakārī hoti, na samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusaloneva samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na ca samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārīsamādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo ca hoti, samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārī ca. Tatra, bhikkhave, yvāyaṁ jhāyī …pe… uttamo ca pavaro cā”ti.

Paññāsamaṁ.

“Samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na samādhismiṁ sātaccakārī …pe….

Ekapaññāsamaṁ.

“Samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na samādhismiṁ sappāyakārī …pe….

Dvepaññāsamaṁ.

(Abhinīhāramūlakaṁ.)

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

Sāvatthinidānaṁ

At Sāvatthī.

“samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārī

“One meditator is skilled in projecting the mind purified by immersion but not in practicing carefully for it. …”

samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārī hoti, na samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo

neva samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na ca samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārī

samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo ca hoti, samādhismiṁ sakkaccakārī ca.

Tatra, bhikkhave, yvāyaṁ jhāyī …pe…

uttamo ca pavaro cā”ti.

Paññāsamaṁ.

“Samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na samādhismiṁ sātaccakārī …pe….

“One meditator is skilled in projecting the mind purified by immersion but not in practicing persistently for it. …”

Ekapaññāsamaṁ.

“Samādhismiṁ abhinīhārakusalo hoti, na samādhismiṁ sappāyakārī …pe….

“One meditator is skilled in projecting the mind purified by immersion but not in doing what’s conducive to it. …”

Dvepaññāsamaṁ.

(Abhinīhāramūlakaṁ.)

Topics:

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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Diligence

Diligence

The protective quality of guarding the mind amidst sensory experience. By restraining the faculties, the mind remains unsoiled by attraction.

Also known as: alertness, carefulness, heedfulness, conscientiousness, vigilance
Pāli: appamāda, uṭṭhāna
View all discourses →

Last updated on July 27, 2026