Reading guide
A first-person testimony, not a general instruction
Sāriputta's own account is notable for its directness: he does not merely describe the seven awakening factors in the abstract but reports his own mastery over them — free to summon whichever factor he wishes at any time of day, and able to recognize both its presence and the specific reason it subsides when it does.
Mastery as freedom of choice, not mere attainment
The wardrobe simile makes a precise point: mastery here is not simply the capacity to develop the awakening factors, but the freedom to choose among them at will, as a ruler with many garments chooses whichever suits the moment — a distinct and more advanced claim than developing them in a fixed, necessary sequence.
Key terms
The text
§1 — the settingAt one time Venerable Sāriputta was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There Sāriputta addressed the mendicants: “Reverends, mendicants!” “Reverend,” they replied. Sāriputta said this:
§2 — Sāriputta's own testimony“There are these seven awakening factors. What seven? The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity. These are the seven awakening factors. In the morning, I meditate on whichever of these seven awakening factors I want. At midday, and in the evening, I meditate on whichever of these seven awakening factors I want. If it’s the awakening factor of mindfulness, I know that it’s limitless and that it’s properly implemented. While it remains I understand that it remains. And if it subsides in me I understand the specific reason it subsides. … If it’s the awakening factor of equanimity, I know that it’s limitless and that it’s properly implemented. While it remains I understand that it remains. And if it subsides I understand the specific reason it subsides.
§3 — the wardrobe simileSuppose that a ruler or their chief minister had a chest full of garments of different colors. In the morning, they’d don whatever pair of garments they wanted. At midday, and in the evening, they’d don whatever pair of garments they wanted. In the same way, in the morning, at midday, and in the evening, I meditate on whichever of these seven awakening factors I want. If it’s the awakening factor of mindfulness, I know that it’s limitless and that it’s properly implemented. While it remains I understand that it remains. And if it subsides I understand the specific reason it subsides. … If it’s the awakening factor of equanimity, I know that it’s limitless and that it’s properly implemented. While it remains I understand that it remains. And if it subsides I understand the specific reason it subsides.”
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