abhijna
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:
Top
abhijna
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.
For more information on abhijna, visit Britannica.com.
Oxford Dictionary of Buddhism:
Top
abhijñā
(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).
