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Grammatical Analysis
Upasamānussati: [f.] recollection of peace; mindfulness of stilling. Formed by upasama (peace, calming, stilling of defilements) + anussati (recollection).
Orthodox Definition
Upasamānussati is the final item in the standard list of ten classical Recollections. The “peace” referred to here is the ultimate peace of Nibbāna—the absolute stilling of all conditioned formations (saṅkhāra-vūpasama).
The meditator contemplates the supreme qualities of the unconditioned state: the fading away of intoxication (madanimmadano), the removal of thirst (pipāsavinayo), the uprooting of attachment (ālayasamugghāto), the breaking of the cycle of rebirth (vaṭṭupacchedo), and the extinguishing of craving (taṇhakkhayo).
According to the Visuddhimagga, because of the profound nature of the unconditioned state and the wide variety of its qualities, this meditation method does not lead to full absorption (appanā), but rather culminates in Access Concentration (upacārasamādhi).
While the commentary notes that this recollection fully succeeds (ijjhati) only for a noble disciple (ariyasāvaka) who has personally witnessed the peace of Nibbāna, it explicitly encourages ordinary worldlings (puthujjana) to practice it as well. If a worldling places high value on peace, their mind can find clarity, confidence, and immense joy in Nibbāna simply through learning and hearing about its qualities (sutavasena).
Quote
‘‘cha anussatiyo viya ca ayampi ariyasāvakasseva ijjhati, evaṃ santepi upasamagarukena puthujjanenāpi manasi kātabbā. sutavasenāpi hi upasame cittaṃ pasīdati.’’
“Like the six recollections, this also succeeds only for a noble disciple; even so, it should be reflected upon by a worldling who values pacification. Indeed, even by hearing, the mind becomes clear in pacification.”— Visuddhimagga, Chapter VIII, 286 (Anussatikammaṭṭhānaniddeso)
Textual References
- Sutta: Dutiya-agga Sutta (AN 4.34) – “Whatever states there are, conditioned or unconditioned, dispassion is declared the highest of them…”
- Canonical: Itivuttaka (v. 51) – Praising the peace that comes from the complete appeasement of all formations.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter VIII) – Detailed exposition on the practice, benefits, and mental factors involved in recollecting peace.