The Buddha explains how frequently paying attention to certain things can lead to the arising and expansion of hindrances and awakening factors.

SN 46.23  Ṭhāniya sutta - Serving As A Basis

Hindrances

“Kāmarāgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva kāmacchando uppajjati, uppanno ca kāmacchando bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya saṁvattati.

“1. Bhikkhus, by frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for |sensual desire::passion or lust for sensual pleasures [kāmarāga]|, unarisen sensual desire arises, and arisen sensual desire increases and expands.

Byāpādaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva byāpādo uppajjati, uppanno ca byāpādo bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya saṁvattati.

2.) Similarly, by frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for |ill will::intentional act of mentally opposing or rejecting others; an intentional construct fueled by aversion, directed against kindness or compassion. It manifests as hostility of will, impeding goodwill and fostering internal or external conflict. [byāpāda]|, unarisen ill will arises, and arisen ill will increases and expands.

Thinamiddhaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppannañceva thinamiddhaṁ uppajjati, uppannañca thinamiddhaṁ bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya saṁvattati.

3.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for |dullness and drowsiness::lack of mental clarity or alertness, mental sluggishness, lethargy, sleepiness lit. stiffness (of mind/body due to tiredness) [thinamiddha]|, unarisen dullness and drowsiness arises, and arisen dullness and drowsiness increases and expands.

Uddhaccakukkuccaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppannañceva uddhaccakukkuccaṁ uppajjati, uppannañca uddhaccakukkuccaṁ bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya saṁvattati.

4.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for |restlessness and worry::agitation and edginess, distraction, fidgeting, fiddling, uneasiness [uddhaccakukkucca]|, unarisen restlessness and worry arises, and arisen restlessness and worry increases and expands.

Vicikicchāṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppannā ceva vicikicchā uppajjati, uppannā ca vicikicchā bhiyyobhāvāya vepullāya saṁvattati.

5.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for |doubt::uncertainty, indecisiveness wrt suffering, its arising, its ending, and the way of practice leading to the end of suffering [vicikiccha]|, unarisen doubt arises, and arisen doubt increases and expands.

Awakening Factors

Satisambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva satisambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca satisambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchati.

1.) Bhikkhus, by frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of mindfulness::mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, mental qualities [satisambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen mindfulness arises, and arisen mindfulness reaches fulfillment through cultivation.

Dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchati.

2.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of investigation of states::the quality of discriminative investigation into states, mental qualities and other phenomena; analyzing the teaching as a factor of enlightenment; second of the seven awakening factors [dhammavicayasambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen investigation arises, and arisen investigation reaches fulfillment through cultivation.

Vīriyasambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva vīriyasambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca vīriyasambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchati.

3.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of energy::the quality of unrelenting effort, the sustaining power of persistence as a factor of enlightenment; third of the seven awakening factors [vīriyasambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen energy arises, and arisen energy reaches fulfillment through cultivation.

Pītisambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva pītisambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca pītisambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchati.

4.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of joy::the quality of heartfelt gladness, spiritual rapture untainted by sensuality, as a factor of enlightenment; fourth of the seven awakening factors [pītisambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen [heartfelt] joy arises, and arisen [heartfelt] joy reaches fulfillment through cultivation.

Passaddhisambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva passaddhisambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca passaddhisambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchati.

5.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of tranquility::the quality of inner stillness, bodily and mental calm, as a factor of enlightenment; fifth of the seven awakening factors [passaddhisambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen tranquility arises, and arisen tranquility reaches fulfillment through cultivation.

Samādhisambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva samādhisambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca samādhisambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchati.

6.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of collectedness::the quality of unification, stability, and deep stillness of the mind, as a factor of enlightenment; sixth of the seven awakening factors [samādhisambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen collectedness arises, and arisen collectedness reaches fulfillment through cultivation.

Upekkhāsambojjhaṅgaṭṭhāniyānaṁ, bhikkhave, dhammānaṁ manasikārabahulīkārā anuppanno ceva upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo uppajjati, uppanno ca upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo bhāvanāpāripūriṁ gacchatī”ti.

7.) By frequently paying attention to the things serving as a basis for the |awakening factor of equanimity::the quality of balanced observation, non-reactivity, and mental equipoise as a factor of enlightenment; seventh of the seven awakening factors [upekkhāsambojjhaṅga]|, unarisen equanimity arises, and arisen equanimity reaches fulfillment through cultivation.”

By attending to these thingsthere is an arising and expansion of
A beautiful mental image: frequently giving careless attention to the sign of beautiful. Read SN 12.52 for a reflection through dependent co-arising and a visual simile.Hindrance of sensual |desire::passion or lust for sensual pleasures|
An aversive mental image: frequently giving careless attention to the sign of resistance.Hindrance of |ill will::intentional act of mentally opposing or rejecting others; an intentional construct fueled by aversion, directed against kindness or compassion. It manifests as hostility of will, impeding goodwill and fostering internal or external conflict. [byāpāda]|
Dissatisfaction, laziness, yawning, passing out after a meal, and sluggishness of mind; frequently giving careless attention to these. Read AN 8.80Hindrance of dullness and drowsiness
An untamed mind: lack of sense restraint, frequently giving careless attention to an unsettled mind.Hindrance of restlessness and |worry::agitation and edginess, fidgeting, fiddling, uneasiness|
Frequently giving careless attention to things that lead to doubt, to confusion, to conflict. Read MN 16Hindrance of doubt
Following precepts, applying sense restraint, and practicing breathing-mindfulness meditation: Read MN 107 for a gradual framework, Read MN 118 for breathing-mindfulness guidance.Awakening factor of mindfulness
Understanding the wholesome and unwholesome, blamable and blameless, inferior and superior, and dark and bright states with their counterparts, through learning, reflecting, familiarizing, mental re-examining, and applying teachings of the Buddha in practice.Awakening factor of investigation of states
Taking initiative, persistence, and applying continuous effort. Read AN 8.80 for a practical reflection on this.Awakening factor of energy
Cultivation of jhāna 1 Read MN 39 which has visual similes for each jhāna and practices preceding it. MN 107 is also similar.Awakening factor of joy
Cultivation of jhāna 2Awakening factor of tranquility
Cultivation of jhāna 3Awakening factor of collectedness
Cultivation of jhāna 4Awakening factor of equanimity

Topics & Qualities:

Investigation

Investigation

Investigation involves the process of a careful inquiry of mental states, qualities, and phenomena, examining their arising, persisting, and ceasing in order to understand their true nature and support the cultivation of wisdom and awakening.

Also known as: inquiry, contemplation, examination, analysis, exploration
Pāli: vicaya, vīmaṃsā, parikkhati
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Jhana

Jhana

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: absorption, concentration, collectedness, mental composure, stability of mind, undistracted awareness
Pāli: jhāna, samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Cultivation

Cultivation

The active practice of 'bringing into being' wholesome states. It is the deliberate nurturing of the bright state of mind.

Also known as: development, improvement, meditation, nurturing, growth
Pāli: bhāvanā
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Equanimity

Equanimity

A state of mental poise and balance, characterized by non-reactivity and composure in the face of agreeable or disagreeable experiences.

Also known as: mental poise, mental balance, equipose, non-reactivity, composure
Pāli: upekkha
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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
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Rousing of energy

Rousing of energy

The arousing of effort and determination in body and mind. It begins with confidence and reflection on purpose, stirring energy for wholesome action.

Also known as: determination, being energetic, taking initiative, making a mental decision to act
Pāli: vīriyārambha, āraddhavīriya, uṭṭhānavant, atandita, pahitatta
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Tranquility

Tranquility

A mental quality of calm and stillness that arises when the body and mind are unburdened by agitation.

Also known as: calmness, peacefulness, serenity
Pāli: passaddhi, santi, upasama, upasanta
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Uplifting joy

Uplifting joy

An energetic mental quality that creates a sense of lift or thrill; it ranges from a gentle delight to overwhelming rapture.

Also known as: heartfelt joy, mental exhilaration, rapture, lit. refreshment
Pāli: pīti
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Anxiety

Anxiety

A fluttering, unsettled state of mind, worried about past or future and unsure what is right to do. It keeps the mind circling around concerns without resolution, weakening confidence and obscuring calm discernment.

Also known as: agitation, confusion about what is right and wrong, distress, fickleness, fidgetiness, edginess, restlessness, wavering, worry
Pāli: kukkucca, uddhacca, darathaja
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Doubt

Doubt

Paralyzing indecision about the path or practice. Doubt obstructs confidence and clarity.

Also known as: confusion, indecisiveness, uncertainty, wavering, perplexity
Pāli: vicikiccha, kaṅkhā, vimati
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Drowsiness

Drowsiness

A heaviness or stiffness of the mind that leads to sleepiness. It shrouds clarity like a fog, making the mind unwieldy and prone to drifting away from its object.

Also known as: sleepiness, torpor, feeling lethargic, lit. stiffness (of mind/body due to tiredness)
Pāli: middha
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Dullness

Dullness

Mental stagnation and lack of driving power. It is an inertia where the mind feels thick and incapable of active engagement or investigation.

Also known as: lack of mental clarity or alertness, inertia, mental sluggishness, inattentiveness or lack of sharpness
Pāli: thina
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Ill will

Ill will

A mental quality of actively opposing or rejecting others in thought, manifesting as deliberate thoughts or intentions that oppose kindness and compassion; it fuels conflict and obstructs goodwill.

Also known as: actively opposing or rejecting others in thought, thought of malevolence towards another, hostile reflections towards another
Pāli: byāpāda
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Sensual desire

Sensual desire

A mental quality of desiring sensory gratification. It pulls the mind’s attention toward sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or touches in a search for satisfaction.

Also known as: craving for sensuality, passion for sensual pleasures, lust, pull toward enticing sense objects
Pāli: kāmacchanda
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Last updated on March 13, 2026