The 37 Constituents of Enlightenment

There are seven categories comprising a total of 37 constituents of enlightenment. The 37 constituents are also known as "states pertaining to enlightenment", "factors of enlightenment" or "requisites of enlightenment". They all form the basis of meditative training as expounded by the Buddha. They serve as a kind of road map and should be practiced with vigor and determination by disciples to succeed on the path. According to Venerable Seelananda, the 37 factors are all interconnected. When it is raining, water is everywhere, which is like the river that leads to the ocean. Ultimately, the 37 factors of enlightenment can be grouped into the three aspects of  wisdom, morality and mental development, which is also found in the Noble Eightfold Path.