The Four Establishments: What You Actually Do
This is the sutta people quote vaguely. We won’t.
Implement a 30-day satipaṭṭhāna protocol with clear objects, clear purpose, and clear checks against drift.
Core Teachings
Key concepts with source texts
In the satipaṭṭhāna frame, you are: - observing an object - knowing it clearly - seeing arising/ceasing - doing so for dispassion (virāga), cessation (nirodha), letting go
If your mindfulness practice never touches craving/clinging, it’s off-target.
From the Source Texts
""One abides contemplating the body in the body... ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having removed covetousness and grief for the world.""
Commentary
The phrase ‘removed covetousness and grief for the world’ is the tell: the practice is aimed at deconditioning craving and aversion.
Start with body/breath as home base (daily 15–30 min). Add feeling-tone labeling during the day (pleasant/unpleasant/neutral). This directly trains the DO hinge.
Study Materials
Primary sources with guided reading
MN 10 — Satipaṭṭhāna
Read and then practice. The sutta is the method description.
Additional Resources
Use after MN 10 for expanded detail, especially Four Truths integration.
Write your thoughts before revealing answers
Consider these points:
- •Are you reacting faster or slower?
- •Is craving weaker or just more hidden?
- •Do you see feeling earlier than before?
- •Is compassion rising as reactivity drops?
Your Thoughts
Writing your thoughts first will deepen your understanding
Bridge notes help connect the resources and show how they relate to the learning outcome.
AI-generated notes synthesize the lesson outcome and resource summaries. Human-reviewed before publishing.
In MN 10, what is a key criterion that shows the practice is properly aligned?