Grammatical Analysis
Abhiññā: [f.] supernormal knowledge; direct knowledge; psychic power. Formed by prefix abhi (superior, higher, special) + ñā (to know). Meaning: a higher, transcendent form of knowing.
Orthodox Definition
Abhiññā refers to six specific supernormal cognitive powers. The first five are mundane (lokiya) and can be achieved by worldlings and non-Buddhists who master the fourth jhāna. The sixth is supramundane (lokuttara) and belongs exclusively to the fully awakened.
The Six Direct Knowledges (chaḷabhiññā) are:
- Iddhividha: Magical/psychic powers (multiplying the body, walking on water, etc.).
- Dibbasota: The Divine Ear (clairaudience).
- Cetopariyañāṇa: Penetration of others’ minds (telepathy).
- Pubbenivāsānussatiñāṇa: Recollection of past lives.
- Dibbacakkhu: The Divine Eye (clairvoyance / seeing beings passing away and rearising according to kamma).
- Āsavakkhayañāṇa: Knowledge of the destruction of the taints (leading to Arahatship).
The Visuddhimagga explicitly details that to acquire the five mundane powers, the meditator must achieve the absolute peak of concentration: the fourth jhāna based specifically on a physical kasiṇa (like the earth or fire disc), utilizing it as a foundation (pādaka-jhāna) to execute the cognitive shift.
Textual References
- Sutta: Sāmaññaphala Sutta (DN 2) – The comprehensive canonical listing of the six powers as the progressive fruits of the ascetic life.
- Canonical: Ākaṅkheyya Sutta (MN 6) – Where the Buddha states that if a monk wishes to wield these powers, he must fulfill the precepts, practice tranquility, and master jhāna.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapters XII & XIII) – The definitive, heavily guarded manual detailing the precise mental resolutions required to perform psychic feats.