Sati, literally "memory" or "retention", commonly translated as mindfulness, "to remember to observe," is an essential part of Buddhist practice. It has the related meanings of calling to mind the wholesome dhammas such as the four establishments of mindfulness, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven awakening-factors, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the attainment of insight, and the actual practice of maintaining a lucid awareness of the dhammas of bodily and mental phenomena, in order to counter the arising of unwholesome states, and to develop wholesome states. It is the first factor of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. "Correct" or "right" mindfulness is the seventh element of the Noble Eightfold Path.

In Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Awakening are:Mindfulness. To maintain awareness of reality, in particular the teachings (dhamma). Investigation of the nature of reality. Energy also determination, effort Joy or rapture Relaxation or tranquility of both body and mind Concentration (samādhi) a calm, one-pointed state of mind, or "bringing the buried latencies or samskaras into full view" Equanimity. To accept reality as-it-is (yathā-bhuta) without craving or aversion.