俱舍論記 4.44

4.44

"Mindfulness (smṛti) means clearly remembering an object without forgetting": the function of mindfulness is to retain the intentional object distinctly and clearly, and to be able to act as the cause for not forgetting it at a later time; it does not mean merely being mindful of past objects. Therefore, the Nyāyānusāra states: "Clearly remembering an object, the cause of not forgetting, is called mindfulness." Furthermore, the Abhidharmāvatāra states: "Mindfulness means causing the mind to clearly remember an object; that is, the meaning of not forgetting all the activities that have been done, are being done, and are to be done (the explanation says: that treatise speaks of the mind following what is predominant; in principle it actually also applies to mental factors)."