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abhijna

 
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: abhijna
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In Buddhist philosophy, the miraculous powers obtained through meditation and wisdom. They include the ability to travel any distance or take any form at will, to see everything, to hear everything, to read minds, and to recall former existences. A sixth miraculous power, available only to Buddhas and arhats (saints), is freedom by undefiled wisdom (Enlightenment). The powers are signs of spiritual progress but their indulgence is a distraction from the path toward Enlightenment.

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Buddhism Dictionary: abhijñā
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(Sanskrit; Pāli, abhiññā). Supernormal knowledge or supernatural cognition, normally acquired through the development of the power of samādhi or meditative trance. Up to six forms are recognized: clairvoyance, clairaudience, knowledge of the minds of others, miraculous abilities, knowledge of past lives, and knowledge of the cessation of the ‘outflows’ (āśravas).

 
 
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Umashankar Joshi
Uppalavanna
Siddhi

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Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. © 2006 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Buddhism Dictionary. A Dictionary of Buddhism. Copyright © 2003, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.  Read more