The Nine Cemetery Contemplations (Nava Sīvathikā)
There was an heir to the Buddha, a monk in the Bhesakala forest,
Who suffused this whole earth with the recognition of a skeleton,
Quickly, I say, he abandoned passion for sensual pleasure.
— Sigālapita, Theragāthā 1.18
The Recognition of a Skeleton and the Seven Factors of Awakening (Satta Bojjhaṅgā)
Sustained, dedicated practice of the recognition of a skeleton will gradually create the optimal conditions for the arising of all seven factors of awakening. SN 46.57 Aṭṭhika Sutta (abridged):
Here monks, a monk develops the awakening factor of mindfulness accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of dhamma-investigation accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of energy accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of joy accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of tranquility accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of meditative composure accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of equanimity accompanied by the recognition of a skeleton, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go.
It is in this way that the recognition of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it is of great fruit and benefit. It is in this way that the recognition of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that one of two fruits is to be expected: either final gnosis in this very life or, if there is a residue of clinging, the state of nonreturning. It is in this way that the recognition of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it leads to great good. It is in this way that the recognition of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it leads to great security from bondage. It is in this way that the recognition of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it leads to a great sense of urgency. It is in this way that the recognition of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it leads to dwelling in great comfort.
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