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Meta Description: A complete, scholarly guide to Das Anussati Bhavana in Buddhism. Learn how these Ten Recollections—mindfulness of Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, Death, and Nibbana—purify the mind, calm confusion, and lead to inner peace and liberation.


Introduction: The Mind’s Path to Nectar

In the sublime teachings of the Buddha, the mind (citta) is identified as the forerunner of all states—wholesome or unwholesome. As declared in the Dhammapada (v. 1–2):

“Mind precedes all phenomena; mind is their chief; they are mind-made.”

Thus, the mind, when defiled, brings sorrow and delusion; when purified, it becomes the wellspring of peace, wisdom, and liberation.

For those burdened by depression, restlessness, or confusion, the Buddha prescribed Bhavana (mental cultivation) as the supreme medicine. Among the many meditation methods expounded in the Pali Canon, one of the most comprehensive and uplifting is Das Anussati Bhavana — the Ten Recollections.


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What is Das Anussati Bhavana?

The Pali term “Anussati” means recollection, mindful remembrance, or continuous reflection. Thus, Das Anussati Bhavana refers to the cultivation of mindfulness through ten powerful contemplations that elevate and purify the mind.

These ten subjects are listed in the Aṅguttara Nikāya (A. N. 6.10; A. N. 6.25) and the Visuddhimagga (Chapter VII) as follows:

1.      Buddhānussati Bhavana – Recollection of the Buddha’s virtues.

2.      Dhammānussati Bhavana – Recollection of the Dhamma’s virtues.

3.      Saṅghānussati Bhavana – Recollection of the Sangha’s virtues.

4.      Sīlānussati Bhavana – Recollection of one’s own morality.

5.      Cāgānussati Bhavana – Recollection of one’s own generosity.

6.      Devatānussati Bhavana – Recollection of the qualities of Devas.

7.      Upasamānussati Bhavana – Recollection of the peace of Nibbana.

8.      Maraṇānussati Bhavana – Recollection of death.

9.      Kāyagatāsati Bhavana – Mindfulness directed to the body.

10.  Ānāpānasati Bhavana – Mindfulness of breathing.

The Profound Benefits of the Ten Recollections

Each recollection serves as a distinct therapeutic medicine for different mental afflictions:

·         Buddhānussati Bhavana: Dispels fear and agitation, replacing them with faith (saddhā), serenity (pasāda), and courage. [A. N. 6.10]

·         Dhammānussati Bhavana: Deepens confidence in the Dhamma as a refuge, strengthening understanding of the Noble Truths.

·         Saṅghānussati Bhavana: Fosters gratitude and reverence for the community of Noble Disciples.

·         Sīlānussati Bhavana: Cultivates moral joy (pāmojja), leading to inner tranquillity.

·         Cāgānussati Bhavana: Encourages generosity and the relinquishment of greed.

·         Devatānussati Bhavana: Inspires moral emulation through reflecting on virtuous beings.

·         Upasamānussati Bhavana: Leads to detachment from worldly cravings and points directly toward Nibbana.

·         Maraṇānussati Bhavana: Reminds us of impermanence, urging diligence and wise use of time. [A. N. 6.19]

·         Kāyagatāsati Bhavana: Brings insight into the nature of the body, reducing attachment and lust.

·         Ānāpānasati Bhavana: Steadies the wandering mind and develops concentration (samādhi).

A Deeper Focus: Upasamānussati Bhavana – The Recollection of Nibbana

Canonical Source

Upasamānussati is described in the Visuddhimagga (Ch. VII, §§ 67–76) and in commentarial literature as one of the most subtle meditations, suitable for those who have developed deep understanding of the Dhamma.

Preparation for Practice

Before beginning, the meditator should:

1.      Pay homage to the Triple Gem, generating devotion and humility.

2.      Offer flowers, incense, or light as symbols of purity and aspiration.

3.      Establish a firm resolution:

“Following the path of the Noble Ones, may I remain unshaken by Māra’s temptations.”

4.      Spread loving-kindness (Metta) to oneself and all beings, softening the heart.

                               

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Contemplation of Nibbana’s Qualities

The practitioner then recollects the intrinsic qualities of Nibbana (as per the Visuddhimagga VII:68–76):

1.      Virāga: Dispassion; the fading of desire and lust.

2.      Mada-nimmadana: The destruction of pride and intoxication with youth, health, or life.

3.      Pipāsavinaya: The extinction of craving for sensuality, existence, and non-existence.

4.      Ālaya-samugghāta: The uprooting of attachment and latent tendencies.

5.      Vaṭṭupaccheda: The complete cutting off of the cycle of birth and death.

6.      Taṇhakkhaya: The destruction of craving—the heart of enlightenment.

7.      Nibbāna: The Unconditioned, the Deathless, the Peace beyond all formations.

As one reflects upon these, the mind becomes serene, detached, and radiant. The practitioner begins to taste the “coolness” (sīta-bhāva) of Nibbana—a freedom from the fever of worldly passions.

“There is, monks, an unborn, unbecome, unmade, unconditioned. Were there not, no escape from the born, become, made, and conditioned could be discerned.”
— (Udāna 8.3, Nibbāna Sutta)

The Ideal Setting and Method

·         Time: Early morning (before sunrise) or evening (after sunset).

·         Place: A quiet and clean location—perhaps near a Bodhi tree, shrine room, or simple meditation seat.

·         Posture: Sit upright, relaxed yet alert.

·         Duration: Regular daily practice, even for 10–15 minutes, is more beneficial than long but infrequent sittings.

Mindfulness (sati) and faith (saddhā) must accompany each session. Over time, this reflection matures into a living perception—where dispassion, contentment, and peace replace anxiety and desire.

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Conclusion: The Mind as a Sacred Sanctuary

Das Anussati Bhavana is not merely a set of meditations—it is a holistic framework for healing the human mind. The Buddha called these recollections “a sure way to purification” (A. N. 6.10). They transform fear into faith, confusion into clarity, and attachment into release.

When practiced with devotion and insight, these ten contemplations become a divine medicine for both the lay follower and the monastic aspirant. They guide us to see the mind as our true refuge—pure, radiant, and free.

“Train your mind well, for the well-trained mind brings happiness.”
— (Dhammapada, v. 35)

May the light of mindfulness through Das Anussati Bhavana bring peace to your mind and to all beings across realms.

Keywords: Das Anussati Bhavana, Buddhist meditation, mindfulness, Buddha Anussati, Marana Anussati, Upasamanussati, Nibbana, Dhamma, mind purification, meditation for peace, English Buddhism, Theravada meditation.

References and Sources

1.      Aṅguttara Nikāya (Book of Tens, AN 6.10, AN 6.19, AN 6.25).

2.      Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification), Ch. VII.

3.      Udāna 8.3 – Nibbāna Sutta.

4.      Dhammapada, verses 1–2, 35.

5.      Buddhaghosa, Atthasālinī (The Expositor), Commentary on Dhammasaṅgaṇī.

6.      Mahasi Sayadaw, Manual of Mindfulness (1954).

7.      Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli, The Path of Purification (Visuddhimagga Translation, BPS, 2011).

8.      Soma Thera, The Way of Mindfulness (Kandy: BPS, 1981).