A Comparative Study of the Foundations of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna) Teachings between Theravāda and Tibetan Vajrayāna Buddhism
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This article aims to compare and analyze the teachings of the foundations of mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna) between Theravāda and Tibetan Vajrayāna Buddhism. The findings reveal two main similarities in both concept and practice. Firstly, the terms smṛti or sati are similarly defined as ‘mindfulness’ or ‘remembrance’. Both traditions share the ultimate goal of attaining the highest peace (nirvāṇa) by realizing the three characteristics. Secondly, the practice is categorized into four areas: observation of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. However, there are notable differences in how these foundations of mindfulness are applied. In the Pāli canon, the sequence of observing the body begins with the breathing section, whereas in Vajrayāna, it starts with bodily postures. Additionally, the Pāli canon divides the observation of mind-objects into five detailed categories. In contrast, the Tibetan canon does not explicitly list these five categories, though many Sanskrit and Tibetan commentaries provide detailed explanations.
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