Understanding teachings
The Six Recollections: What the Mind Returns To
Read the objects and purpose of a teaching before making it a practice prompt.
Read what each recollection concerns before treating the names as six interchangeable prompts.
What are the six objects of recollection?
In Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu's translation of AN 11:13, Mahānāma asks how to provide a dwelling for the mind as the Buddha prepares to travel. After identifying supporting qualities, the reply gives six recollections:[1]
- Buddha: the teacher's qualities.
- Dhamma: the teaching's qualities.
- Saṅgha: noble disciples, described as four pairs or eight individual types.
- Virtue: one's own ethical conduct.
- Generosity: one's own openhanded giving.
- Devas: the qualities explained below.
The discourse connects recollection with joy, rapture, bodily calm, ease and concentration. It explicitly includes walking, working and being at home with children among the settings for recollection.[1] This is the passage's account of the practice, rather than a promise about what a reader will experience on a particular day.
Why remember virtue and generosity?
In his 2008 talk Thinking Your Way to Stillness, Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu explains that deliberate thinking can prepare the mind for concentration. He treats recollection as purposeful attention, including remembering occasions when one gave freely. Such recollection can acknowledge wholesome conduct even when other actions have been selfish.[2]
That focus calls for a particular action, rather than a general verdict that one is a good or bad person. For example, you might remember lending something without demanding a favor in return. Ask what was generous about the intention and action. This is an editorial illustration, not an additional traditional formula.
If the memory brings up a mixed motive, describe that honestly when discussing the instruction with a teacher. There is no need to improve the story to make it fit the heading. The question is what the recollection directs attention toward and how to understand the conduct involved.
What does recollecting the devas mean here?
AN 11:13 identifies conviction, virtue, learning, generosity and discernment as qualities found both in devas and in the person recollecting them. Its explanation links those qualities with heavenly rebirth.[1]
This religious account involves rebirth. It gives no deity-visualization instructions.
Ṭhānissaro's talk connects reflection on virtue, generosity and devas with confidence in practicing the path. The discussion leads toward concentration, with recollection serving that purpose.[2] Keep the teacher's purpose attached to the example rather than turning it into a requirement to feel confident immediately.
A question to bring to a teaching
Ask: “When I recollect generosity, am I attending to a remembered act, its intention, or the quality it expresses? How should I work with mixed motives without replacing the instruction with self-criticism?” Bring the relevant paragraph so the teacher can address the wording you are reading.
Our introductions to the Three Jewels and three forms of generosity cover neighboring topics. Their lists organize different questions. Read the six recollections in their own source before combining vocabulary from several teachings.
Sources and further reading
- To Mahānāma (2), AN 11:13. Translated from Pāli by Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu.
- Thinking Your Way to Stillness. Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu; September 2, 2008.
Sources checked November 1, 2026. Written with AI assistance and checked against the linked texts. The examples and brief review are supplied by this site; they do not replace instruction from a qualified teacher.