Seven Factors of Awakening

In Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Awakening (Pali: satta bojjhagā or satta sambojjhagā; Skt.: sapta bodhyanga) are: Mindfulness (sati, Sanskrit smṛti). To maintain awareness of reality, in particular the teachings (dhamma). Investigation of the nature of reality (dhamma vicaya, Skt. dharmapravicaya). Energy (viriya, Skt. vīrya) also determination, effort Joy or rapture (pīti, Skt. prīti) Relaxation or tranquility (passaddhi, Skt. prashrabdhi) of both body and mind Concentration (samādhi) a calm, one-pointed state of mind, or "bringing the buried latencies or samskaras into full view" Equanimity (upekkhā, Skt. upekshā). To accept reality as-it-is (yathā-bhuta) without craving or aversion. This evaluation of seven awakening factors is one of the "Seven Sets" of "Awakening-related states" (bodhipakkhiyadhamma). The Pali word bojjhanga is a compound of bodhi ("awakening," "enlightenment") and anga ("factor"). Satta sambojjhagā: satta – seven; bodh – an abstract noun formed from the verbal root *budh- (to awake, become aware, notice, know or understand) corresponding to the verbs bujjhati (Pāli) and bodhati or budhyate (Sanskrit); aṅga – a part of a whole; factor, cause. In the Sutta Pitaka's Samyutta Nikaya, the bojjhangas refer to wholesome, mundane factors leading to enlightenment. In the Abhidhamma and Pali commentaries, the bojjhangas tend to refer to supramundane factors concurrent with enlightenment. According to one discourse in the Samyutta Nikaya entitled "Bhikkhu Sutta" (SN 46.5): [Bhikkhu:] "Venerable sir, it is said, 'factors of enlightenment, factors of enlightenment.' In what sense are they called factors of enlightenment?" [Buddha:] "They lead to enlightenment, bhikkhu, therefore they are called factors of enlightenment...." During meditation, one may contemplate the seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as on their antithesis, the Five Hindrances (sensual pleasure, ill-will, sloth-torpor, restlessness-worry, doubt).