SATIPAÞÞHÁNA SUTTA – FOUNDATIONS OF INSIGHT 425
plating the arising nature of dhammas, or their perishing
nature, or both the arising and perishing nature of dhammas.
“Now there arises in him the mindfulness, ‘There exist only
dhammas to the extent necessary for the growth of wisdom, for
the growth of mindfulness.’ Independent he lives, clinging to
naught in this world.
“Thus he lives contemplating the dhammas with respect to
the four Noble Truths.
“Verily, should any person develop these four Foundations of
Mindfulness in this way for seven years, he would either
become an Arahant here and now or a Never-Returner
(Anágámi) if there still be any attachment.
“Nay, should he develop them for six years... five years...
four years... three years... two years... one year... seven
months... six months... five months... four months... three
months... two months... a month... half a-month... a week... he
would become an arahant or an anagámi (non-returner) if there
still be any attachment in this very life.
“Because of this it was said, ‘There is a unique way for the
destruction of suffering, for the purification of beings, for the
attainment of Wisdom, and for the realization of Nibbána’.”
“Thus spoke the Exalted One. The disciples were delighted.