Commentary on the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta (Second Edition) (Newly Revised)

Chapter Five: Contemplating Dharma for Dwelling

This chapter presents five contemplations on Dharma, all pertaining to the practices required for the Hinayana path of insight. By delving deeply into these practices, one draws closer to realizing the path. When genuinely commencing practice, the initial step is to cultivate the removal of hindrances. Once these obscurations are eliminated and the path is unobstructed, practice can proceed smoothly. After contemplating the five hindrances and removing the obscurations, the World Honored One then teaches the contemplation of the five aggregates of clinging. This is followed by the contemplation of the twelve sense bases and the eighteen elements. While contemplating the five aggregates and eighteen elements, one must understand the seven factors of enlightenment, which inevitably arise during the process of cultivation and realization. Only then is the practice in accordance with principle and Dharma. After contemplating the seven factors of enlightenment, one should engage in proper practice, cultivating the Four Noble Truths of suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path. Each of these Four Noble Truths must be contemplated with focused thought and observation. Only through this process can realization be attained. Thus, all these Dharmas are essential, as they lead toward Nirvana.