The Buddha shares the seven factors of awakening which are non-obstructive, non-hindering, and not impurities of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, these factors lead to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge.

SN 46.34  Anupakkilesa sutta - Not Impurities

“Sattime, bhikkhave, bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Satisambojjhaṅgo, bhikkhave, anāvaraṇo anīvaraṇo cetaso anupakkileso bhāvito bahulīkato vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattati …pe… upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo, bhikkhave, anāvaraṇo anīvaraṇo cetaso anupakkileso bhāvito bahulīkato vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattati. Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattantī”ti.

“Bhikkhus, these seven factors of awakening are |non-obstructive::not blocking, not impeding; lit. not obstructing [anāvaraṇa]|, non-hindering, and are |not impurities::non-corruptions, not defilements [anupakkilesa]| of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, they lead to the |realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge::personal experience of the fruit of liberation and wisdom [vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyā]|. What seven? 1.) The |awakening factor of mindfulness::the quality of mindfulness leading to full awakening, remembering as a factor of enlightenment; first of the seven awakening factors [satisambojjhaṅga]|, bhikkhus, is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. 2.) 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]| is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. 3.) 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]| is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. 4.) 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]| is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. 5.) 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]| is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. 6.) 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]| is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. 7.) 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]| is non-obstructive, non-hindering, and is not an impurity of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, it leads to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge. Bhikkhus, these seven factors of awakening are non-obstructive, non-hindering, and are not impurities of the mind. When cultivated and frequently practiced, they lead to the realization of the fruit of liberation and true knowledge.”

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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Ethical conduct

Ethical conduct

A disciplined way of living grounded in harmlessness and integrity. Ethical conduct restrains the body and speech from harm, purifies behavior, and forms the foundation for collectedness and wisdom.

Also known as: moral integrity, right action, virtue
Pāli: sīla, sammākammanta
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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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Right effort

Right effort

Energy and resolve directed toward preventing unwholesome states from arising, abandoning arisen unwholesome states, cultivating wholesome states, and maintaining arisen wholesome states; persistent application of the mind aligned with the path.

Also known as: right endeavor, right striving
Pāli: sammāvāyāma
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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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Last updated on February 6, 2026