San Lo Mvu 7The Ten Bhūmis

Explanation of the Ten Bhūmis Sutta (San Lo Mvu 7)

Background

The Ten Bhūmis Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, within the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. The word “bhūmi” (भूमि) in Pāli and Sanskrit means “ground” or “stage,” indicating steps of progress on the path of practice for one who has gone forth.

This discourse is recorded in San Lo Mvu (Samanta Pāsādika or Sannaya Pāsādika), a part of the Vinaya Piṭaka concerning rules of practice and the spiritual development of the Buddhist Sangha. The ancestral context of this discourse comes from the Buddha’s teachings to his disciples about the stages of practice, helping them clearly understand the path leading to peace of mind and liberation.

Main Content

The Ten Bhūmis Sutta presents ten foundations or ten stages on the Buddhist path of practice. These bhūmis are not transcendent attainments, but natural developments that a monastic undergoes when practicing with dedication.

These ten bhūmis include: (1) the Bhūmi of faith in the Three Jewels, (2) the Bhūmi of maintaining pure precepts, (3) the Bhūmi of cultivating meditation, (4) the Bhūmi of developing wisdom, (5) the Bhūmi of understanding the Four Noble Truths, (6) the Bhūmi of dedicated practice, (7) the Bhūmi of unceasing energy, (8) the Bhūmi of abiding in right mindfulness, (9) the Bhūmi of realizing dependent origination, and (10) the Bhūmi of drawing near to nirvana.

Each bhūmi represents a specific degree of accomplishment in practice. They are not separate, but are linked with one another, forming a continuous continuum from the first act of taking refuge to final realization. The discourse emphasizes that progress is not swift, but requires perseverance, collectedness, and strict observance of the Buddha’s instructions.

Practical Meaning

Understanding the Ten Bhūmis is of great importance for those who practice according to the Theravāda tradition.