Perspectives on Satipaṭṭhāna

By Anālayo

Book Description

In a world where mindfulness has become a cornerstone of spiritual practice, Buddhist scholar Bhikkhu Anālayo offers seekers a profound journey back to the ancient roots of this transformative discipline. This scholarly exploration delves into the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, the foundational Buddhist text that has guided practitioners toward peace and self-awareness for over two millennia.

What sets this work apart is its groundbreaking comparative approach. Rather than examining only the familiar Pali version, Anālayo unveils previously unknown Chinese translations of these essential teachings, offering English-speaking readers their first glimpse into these alternative perspectives. This multilingual investigation extends beyond the primary text to encompass related discourses preserved in Chinese and Tibetan traditions, creating a rich tapestry of wisdom that spans cultures and centuries.

For contemporary practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of mindfulness, this comprehensive study illuminates how different Buddhist traditions have preserved and interpreted these crucial teachings. The author's meticulous scholarship reveals subtle variations and insights that have remained hidden from Western audiences, providing fresh perspectives on familiar practices.

Whether you are a serious student of Buddhist philosophy, a meditation practitioner curious about the historical foundations of mindfulness, or someone drawn to comparative religious studies, this work opens new pathways for understanding one of Buddhism's most influential teachings on awareness and spiritual development.