The Multiple Structures of Ānāpānasati

Abstract

Ānāpānasati is a Buddhist practice through which various results can be obtained by focusing awareness on one’s breath. It is currently attracting attention as part of mindfulness. Previous research generally discusses this practice in relation to cattaro satipaṭṭhānā, and the complex structure of the Ānāpānasatisutta in the Majjhima-Nikāya has been regarded as a representative example of ānāpānasati. However, considering the monk Ariṭṭha in the Saṃyutta-Nikāya and the corresponding Alisedun 阿黎瑟吨 in the Saṃyukta-Āgama 雑阿含経, it has been found that Bhikkhus practice ānāpānasati, which has a simple structure and differs from the complex structure of the Ānāpānasatisutta, whereas the Buddha recommends the Ānāpānasatisutta as a superior practice. Thus, the complex structure of the Ānāpānasatisutta can be retrofitted to ānāpānasati, which has multiple structures. It is inappropriate to adopt all of the structures of ānāpānasati appearing in the Tipiṭaka for the structure of the Ānāpānasatisutta.