Developing Mindfulness (Sati-sambojjhanga)

Lord Buddha stated:

Monks, there are virtues (Dhammas) which serve as the foundation for Mindfulness (Sati). You should pay attention to fostering them because paying attention to fostering them provides the food for the development of Mindfulness which has not yet been attained and feeds the Mindfulness which has already been attained (Samyutta-nikāya, 19/365/96).

The commentary explains Four Practices for developing Sati-sambojjhanga and removing the Five Hindrances which darken and obscure Wisdom (Samyutta-nikāya Atthakatha, 224), as follows:

1. To develop Sati-sambojjhanga one contemplates Bodies -in-Bodies, Feelings-in-Feelings, Minds-in-Minds and Dhammas-in-Dhammas mindfully and frequently. When one practices Four Foundations of Mindfulness in this way, Sati-sambojjhanga will arise.
2. Avoid those who lack mindfulness. This means staying away from and not associating with those who do not mindfully contemplate Bodies-in-Bodies, Feelings-in-Feelings, Minds-in-Minds and Dhammas-in-Dhammas. If one practices in this way, Sati-sambojjhanga will arise.
3. Associate with those who are firmly mindful. This means associating with those who resolve to put effort into developing Mindfulness of Bodies-in-Bodies, Feelings-in-Feelings, Minds-in-Minds and Dhammas-in-Dhammas. If one practices in this way, Sati-sambojjhanga will arise.
4. Make a resolution to develop Sati-sambojjhaïga. This means resolving to develop continual Sati-sambojjhanga in all actions, while standing, walking or sitting. If one practices in this way, Sati-sambojjhanga will arise.

The Mindfulness Factor of Enlightenment or Sati-sambojjhanga arises due to these four causes and is fully developed to perfection when one attains Arahant Mentality.