The Buddha describes the seven grounds for wholesome inclinations, of 1) undertaking the training precepts, 2) attending carefully to the Dhamma, 3) removing longing, 4) seclusion, 5) arousing energy, 6) skilled mindfulness, and 7) realization of right view.

AN 7.20  Niddasavatthu sutta - Grounds for Inclination

“Sattimāni, bhikkhave, niddasavatthūni. Katamāni satta?

“Bhikkhus, there are these seven grounds for inclination. What seven?

Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sikkhāsamādāne tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca sikkhāsamādāne avigatapemo,

1.) Here, a bhikkhu has keen aspiration for undertaking the training precepts, and in the future too, his fondness for undertaking the training precepts does not diminish.

dhammanisantiyā tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca dhammanisantiyā avigatapemo,

2.) He has keen aspiration for attending carefully to the |Dhamma::teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth [dhamma]|, and in the future too, his fondness for attending carefully to the Dhamma does not diminish.

icchāvinaye tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca icchāvinaye avigatapemo,

3.) He has keen aspiration for the |removal of longing::dispelling of wanting [icchāvinaya]|, and in the future too, his fondness for the removal of longing does not diminish.

paṭisallāne tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca paṭisallāne avigatapemo,

4.) He has keen aspiration for |seclusion::solitude, privacy [paṭisallāna]|, and in the future too, his fondness for seclusion does not diminish.

vīriyārambhe tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca vīriyārambhe avigatapemo,

5.) He has keen aspiration for |arousing energy::taking initiative, making a mental decision to act [vīriyārambha]|, and in the future too, his fondness for arousing energy does not diminish.

satinepakke tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca satinepakke avigatapemo,

6.) He has keen aspiration for |skilled mindfulness::maintaining awareness of the present moment and understanding things clearly [satinepakka]|, and in the future too, his fondness for skilled mindfulness does not diminish.

diṭṭhipaṭivedhe tibbacchando hoti āyatiñca diṭṭhipaṭivedhe avigatapemo.

7.) He has keen aspiration for the |realization of right view::direct experiential understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality, developed through learning, reflection, and practice in accordance with the Dhamma [diṭṭhipaṭivedha]|, and in the future too, his fondness for the realization of right view does not diminish.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, satta niddasavatthūnī”ti.

These, bhikkhus, are the seven grounds for inclination.”

Topics & Qualities:

Diligence

Diligence

The protective quality of guarding the mind amidst sensory experience. By restraining the faculties, the mind remains unsoiled by attraction.

Also known as: alertness, carefulness, heedfulness, conscientiousness, vigilance
Pāli: appamāda, uṭṭhāna
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Contentment

Contentment

The quality of being satisfied with the requisites one has and with the present conditions, resulting in having few desires and being free from agitation.

Also known as: fewness of wishes, having few desires, satisfaction, sense of ease
Pāli: santutthi, appicchatā, tuṭṭha, tosana
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Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Remembering to be present with continuous effort, observing the body, feelings, mind, and mental qualities in and of themselves.

Also known as: recollecting, remembering, keeping in mind, presence, awareness
Pāli: sati, anupassanā
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Right view

Right view

View that is in line with the Dhamma — teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth.

Also known as: right understanding, right belief, view that is inline with the Dhamma
Pāli: sammādiṭṭhi
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Rousing of energy

Rousing of energy

The arousing of effort and determination in body and mind. It begins with confidence and reflection on purpose, stirring energy for wholesome action.

Also known as: determination, being energetic, taking initiative, making a mental decision to act
Pāli: vīriyārambha, āraddhavīriya, uṭṭhānavant, atandita, pahitatta
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Solitude

Solitude

Physical seclusion from crowds and mental seclusion from unwholesome states. It provides the quietude necessary for the mind to settle, detach from worldly entanglements, and develop deep collectedness.

Also known as: seclusion, privacy, aloofness, non-association
Pāli: viveka, asaṃsaṭṭha
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Wise attention

Wise attention

Paying attention to the point of contact where experience originates. It discerns the specific cause of the present moment, preventing the mind from drifting into proliferation.

Also known as: proper attention, prudent use of the mind, attention to the source
Pāli: yonisomanasikāra
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Last updated on December 13, 2025