The 'Seven Factors of Enlightenment' (Satta Bojjhanga)

The Seven Factors of Enlightenment, Satta Bojjhaṅga, is one of the clearest and bestarranged manuals for the awakening to Buddhism when you study the early Pali canon. These seven attributes of mindfulness, exploration of phenomena, vitality, rapture, calmness, focus, and equanimity, are not a chance collection. They are interdependent on one another and are effective as a living process: the shaping and sharpening of the mind. This paper excavates these aspects from a number of angles: doctrine, psychology, and experience of life. Based on the Nikaya sutra, ancient Theravada commentaries, Abhidhamma breakdown and even more recent English and Marathi scholarship, it presents how the bojjhaṅga belong to Buddhist doctrine, not only as moral compasses, but also as practical means.