The Buddha teaches on the seven awakening factors regarding growth, guiding mendicants to develop mindfulness through equanimity for the ending of defilements.

SN 46.36 Growth

“Sattime, bhikkhave, bojjhaṅgā bhāvitā bahulīkatā buddhiyā aparihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Satisambojjhaṅgo …pe… upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo. Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta bojjhaṅgā bhāvitā bahulīkatā buddhiyā aparihānāya saṁvattantī”ti.

Sattamaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Sattime, bhikkhave, bojjhaṅgā bhāvitā bahulīkatā buddhiyā aparihānāya saṁvattanti.

“Mendicants, when the seven awakening factors are developed and cultivated they lead to growth and progress.

Katame satta?

What seven?

Satisambojjhaṅgo …pe… upekkhāsambojjhaṅgo.

The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta bojjhaṅgā bhāvitā bahulīkatā buddhiyā aparihānāya saṁvattantī”ti.

When these seven awakening factors are developed and cultivated they lead to growth and progress.”

Sattamaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

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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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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Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Active presence of mind and lucid retention; the faculty that remembers the Dhamma, anchors attention to the chosen object or present experience, and guards the mind against unwholesome states.

Also known as: recollecting, remembering, keeping in mind, presence, awareness
Pāli: sati, anussati
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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 July 27, 2026