samma sati

The term "sati" in Buddhism, derived from the Pali word sati, translates to "recollection" or "remembrance." It is a core concept emphasizing sustained awareness of bodily sensations, emotions, and mental states. Right mindfulness (samma-sati) is the seventh step on the Eightfold Path, a Buddhist guide toward enlightenment.123

While the English term "mindfulness" has become widely adopted in secular contexts, its Buddhist roots involve practices like samatha (calming) and vipassana (insight) meditation. These practices aim to observe thoughts and feelings with detachment to gain understanding and reduce suffering. It's important to note that the meaning of sati can vary within Buddhist traditions, and there isn't one single, universally agreed-upon definition.21

It is crucial to distinguish this Buddhist concept from the South Asian custom of sati (also known as suttee), where a widow immolates herself on her husband's funeral pyre. This practice is sometimes linked to the myth of the Hindu goddess Sati, who burned herself to death.45