Abhiññā

Synonyms

Iddhi ; Levitation; Mind reading

Definition

Abhiññā is “Higher Powers” or “Psychic Powers” developed by practicing deep meditation.

Abhiññā is translated into English as “Higher Powers” or “Psychic Powers” [1] and “Supernormal Knowledges,” [2] “Special Knowledge,” or “Special Wisdom” [3]. They are six in number. They are called iddhividhā (magical powers), dibba sota (divine ear), cetopariya ñāṇa (to know or read the minds of others), dibba cakkhu (divine eye), pubbenivāsānussati (remembering former lives), and āsavakkhaya ñāṇa (knowledge of the extinction of all taints).

Two Types of Abhiññā

Of these six, the first five are worldly or lokiya and the last is supramundane or lokuttara. The first five can be attained by persons who have perfect mental concentration but the last can be attained only by arahantas who have completely destroyed their taints or āsavas.

Samatha Type of Meditation Helped in Attaining Concentration of Mind

Before the Buddha there were great meditators...