In Theravada tradition Satipatthana Sutta (The Discourse on the Establishing of Mindfulness) is the core of Buddhism, is the only path to liberation. Some may question why such an important concept were only conveyed in 2 suttas, namely Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya 10) and Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta (Dīgha Nikāya 22). My answer: Even though satipatthana (Four Mindfulness Domains: body, feeling, mind and Dhamma) were only discussed in depth in 2 suttas, the concept is present in various shapes and guises widely across the Tripitaka. Wherever the Buddha mentions the Five Aggregates Of Clinging (pañca-khandha), the Tweleve sense bases (āyatana), the Four Noble truths (cattāri ariyasaccāni), there he reflects on the Four Mindfulness Domains.

Followers of Mahayana Buddhism believe in praying to Amitābha and those in Pure Land Buddhism believe in asking for help by calling out the name of the Buddha. But in all Buddhist's texts, if one tries to find any mention of such practice one may not find any bar one single citing (Amitāyurdhyāna Sūtra). On the other hand, practitioners of Theravada tradition focus only on understanding Buddha's words and practice mindfulness, which is the core, wide and deep, of his teaching.

I do not intend to attack other traditions. But this is what I find in today's Buddhists, especially in Vietnam and China. You may say if I do not believe in praying and asking for help from some supreme being like "the Buddha" then how I can say I believe in Buddha. My answer is I am only a common monk, a lay monk and I believe in Buddha more in his teaching than in his power because he has gone, he has entered Nibban. I believe in Buddha because of the following truths He had taught us:

1. Impermanence of all things
2. Non-Self
3. Karma
4. Suffering in Cause and in Effect




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