The Direct Path opens and closes the teachings on the Four-Foundations of Mindfulness.

"Thus have I heard. On one occasion, the Buddha addressed a gathering of monks, "Friends," he began. "Venerable, Sir," they replied. And the Buddha said," …

Here, the Buddha introduced the Four-Foundations to those interested in establishing mindfulness in their everyday life. In the setting where and when this talk was given, the students were monks. That said, throughout the rest of the sutta, we use the word "friends" to refer to all fellow travelers walking this path. In that light, we, too, can realize the life-changing benefits that arise from these profound teachings and practices.

"Friends, this is a direct path that leads to the purification of hearts and minds, for the overcoming of unhealthy stress, depression, and anxiety, for the transformation of suffering and discontentment, for attaining the noble path, for the realization of health, well-being, freedom, and awakening; specifically, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness."

What is meant by the "Direct Path"? The Buddha explains that the Four Foundations of Mindfulness is a path that leads to greater health, well-being, freedom, and awakening. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness helps us better understand ourselves and our life. With this understanding, we can purify our hearts and minds by transforming unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors while cultivating healthy ones.

The Four Foundations is part of a greater set of teachings and practices called the Eightfold-Path. The Eightfold-Path is at the heart of Buddhism and is a holistic model that supports a way of living that leads to self-understanding, self-development, and liberation. The Four Foundations are one of the eight Path Factors within the Eight-Fold Path. Within this context, the Four Foundations are called "Right Mindfulness.

The mindfulness that arises as we cultivate the Four Foundations allows us to realize when unhealthy forms of suffering and discontent are present. It also helps us understand how they came to be and how they can be removed. Also, Mindfulness helps us fully appreciate when well-being and happiness are present, the supporting conditions, and how to sustain them.

When united with the Eightfold-Path, mindfulness leads to awakening and helps us live with Great Wisdom and Compassion. We become free to respond to life's moments in ways that benefit ourselves and those we touch throughout our lives.

As we walk this path, we will see how these teachings and practices support a happier and more fulfilling life. Please, keep in mind that to reach this path's destination, we must walk it and apply it to our life. The teachings are a map, and our life experience is the actual journey.

Notably, the Direct Path repeats at the end of the Satipatthana. This time, we can think of it as a culmination. First, by placing the Direct Path at the beginning, the Buddha teaches that the Direct Path is possible. Second, we can imagine that it may be relevant to us by placing it at the end. We, too, can realize the goal for ourselves through direct lived experience. After all, "Buddha" means one who is awake. At this point, we become more awake ourselves and are empowered to realize our own innate Buddha Nature.