[JakilSong]

What would it mean for a monk to "set recollection in front of him"?

It means the monk sets a mind free from hindrances in front of him

It means the monks sets emptiness in front of him

It is probably more accurate to say: "mindfulness sets clear consciousness in front of him"

It is mindfulness doing & maintaining the "setting"

An important thing to remember about mindfulness (sati) is it is never separated from sampajanna (clear comprehension; ready wisdom)

So mindfulness brings clear comprehension to the fore

Like this:



Returning from the alms round after the meal is over, sits in a cross-legged position, the body placed straight and mindfulness established in front.

Dispelling covetousness for the world he abides, cleaning the mind of covetousness.

Dispelling anger he abides cleaning the mind of anger with compassion for all born.

Dispelling sloth and torpor he abides, mindful and aware of a perception of light, cleaning sloth and torpor from the mind.

Dispelling restlessness and worry he abides with a mind internally appeased, cleaning the mind of restlessness and worry.

Abides with doubts dispelled of meritorious things that should be done.

The bhikkhu dispelling the five hindrances of the mind...abides in the first jhàna.

MN 38