37 factors of enlightenment

The 37 factors (sometimes called steps) to enlightenment:

• The 4 Foundations of Mindfulness
• The 4 supreme efforts
• The 4 means to accomplishment
• The 5 strengths
• The 5 faculties
• The Noble Eightfold Middle Path
• The 7 factors of enlightenment

(from Anguttara Nikaya 7.67, Majjhima Nikaya 103, Digha Nikaya 16)

This teaching / list from the suttas gets to the heart of the practice and teachings and is sometimes known as the "Wings to Awakening". An analysis of it by Buddhaghosa (author of the Visudhimagga) revealed several recurring concepts running through the 37:

• saddha (2 times) [faith, confidence]
• samādhi (4 times) [concentration, tranquility]
• paññā (5 times) [wisdom]
• sati (8 times) [mindfulness]
• viriya (9 times) [energy]

References

• The Complete Book of Buddha's Lists -- Explained. David N. Snyder, Ph.D., 2006.
• http://www.thedhamma.com/