The fourth foundation of mindfulness is contemplation of dhammas (dhammanupassana) or mental phenomena. Here the word “dhammas” refers to groups of phenomena organized in ways that reflect the goal of the Buddha’s teaching. The five groups mentioned in the sutta are:
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Five Hindrances (Nīvaraṇas): Being mindful of the presence or absence of the five hindrances – sensual desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and doubt. Understanding how these hindrances arise, how they can be overcome, and how to prevent their future arising.
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Five Aggregates of Clinging (Khandhas): Contemplating the five aggregates – form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness – to understand their nature and the way they contribute to the sense of self and suffering.
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Six Sense Bases (Āyatanas): Observing the six internal and external sense bases (eye and forms, ear and sounds, nose and odors, tongue and tastes, body and tactile sensations, mind and mental objects) and understanding the nature of sensory experiences.
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Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Bojjhaṅgas): Being mindful of the development of the seven factors of enlightenment – mindfulness, investigation of dhammas, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity.
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Four Noble Truths: Deepening the understanding of the Four Noble Truths – the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
This practice involves a broad and deep examination of one’s mental life and experiences, leading to insights into the nature of reality. It fosters a deep understanding of the mental processes, their impermanent and non-self characteristics, and how clinging to them leads to suffering. Mindfulness of mental objects is an advanced practice that builds on the foundations of mindfulness of the body, feelings, and mind. It helps in developing wisdom, insight, and eventually leading towards liberation and enlightenment in Buddhist practice.