The Buddha explains the importance of accomplishment in wise attention in the development and cultivation of the noble eightfold path.

SN 45.55  Yonisomanasikārasampadā sutta - Accomplishment in Wise Attention

“Sūriyassa, bhikkhave, udayato etaṁ pubbaṅgamaṁ etaṁ pubbanimittaṁ, yadidaṁaruṇuggaṁ; evameva kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno ariyassa aṭṭhaṅgikassa maggassa uppādāya etaṁ pubbaṅgamaṁ etaṁ pubbanimittaṁ, yadidaṁyonisomanasikārasampadā. Yonisomanasikārasampannassetaṁ, bhikkhave, bhikkhuno pāṭikaṅkhaṁariyaṁ aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ bhāvessati, ariyaṁ aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ bahulīkarissati.

“Bhikkhus, just as dawn precedes and predicts the rising of the sun, so too does accomplishment in |wise attention::proper attention, prudent use of the mind, wise reflection, attention to the source [yoniso + manasikāra]| precede and predict the arising of the noble eightfold path for a bhikkhu. For a bhikkhu accomplished in wise attention and careful attending, it is to be expected that he will cultivate and frequently practice the noble eightfold path.

Kathañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu yonisomanasikārasampanno ariyaṁ aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ bhāveti, ariyaṁ aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ bahulīkaroti? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu sammādiṭṭhiṁ bhāveti vivekanissitaṁ virāganissitaṁ nirodhanissitaṁ vossaggapariṇāmiṁ; sammāsaṅkappaṁ bhāveti vivekanissitaṁ …pe… sammāvācaṁ bhāveti …pe… sammākammantaṁ bhāveti …pe… sammāājīvaṁ bhāveti …pe… sammāvāyāmaṁ bhāveti …pe… sammāsatiṁ bhāveti …pe… sammāsamādhiṁ bhāveti vivekanissitaṁ virāganissitaṁ nirodhanissitaṁ vossaggapariṇāmiṁ. Evaṁ kho, bhikkhave, bhikkhu yonisomanasikārasampanno ariyaṁ aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ bhāveti, ariyaṁ aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ bahulīkarotī”ti.

And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu accomplished in careful attention cultivate and frequently practice the noble eightfold path? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops |right view::view that is in line with the Dhamma - teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth [sammādiṭṭhi]| |dependent on seclusion::supported by detachment, by means of disengagement [vivekanissita]|, |supported by dispassion::based on fading of desire [virāganissita]|, |based on ending::supported by cessation [nirodhanissita]|, |culminating in complete relinquishment::ripening in release, culminating in letting go [vossaggapariṇāmī]|; similarly he develops |right intention::intention of renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness; the resolve to let go of craving, ill will, and cruelty, cultivating thoughts that lead to peace and liberation [sammāsaṅkappa]|, |right speech::speech that is purified by abstaining from falsehood, divisive talk, harsh words, and idle chatter [sammāvācā]|, |right action::action that upholds ethical integrity by abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct; bodily conduct aligned with harmlessness and honesty [sammākammanta]|, |right livelihood::means of living that does not cause harm to others or oneself; earning a living ethically without deceit, exploitation, or violence [sammāājīva]|, |right effort::energy and effort directed toward abandoning unwholesome mental states and qualities, and cultivating wholesome ones [sammāvāyāma]|, |right mindfulness::perfect memory of the Dhamma; correct recollection of the exact instructions to guide one’s practice [sammāsati]|, and |right collectedness::correct mental composure that stabilizes the mind and supports clarity of thoughts [sammāsamādhi]|, dependent on seclusion, supported by dispassion, based on ending, culminating in complete relinquishment. Thus indeed, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu accomplished in wise attention and careful attending cultivates and frequently practices the noble eightfold path.”

Qualities:

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 March 11, 2026