The 10 Powers of a Trainee

Overview

A “Trainee” (Sekha) is a Noble Disciple (from Stream-enterer up to one on the Path of Arahatship) who has not yet finished their spiritual work. To ensure they reach the final goal without falling back, they rely on specific spiritual powers (balāni) that protect their mind and guarantee their forward momentum.

The List

1. Saddhābala - The Power of Faith in the Buddha.
2. Sīlabala - The Power of unbroken Virtue.
3. Hirībala - The Power of Moral Shame.
4. Ottappabala - The Power of Moral Dread.
5. Sutabala - The Power of Learning (knowing the Dhamma deeply).
6. Cāgabala - The Power of Generosity.
7. Paññābala - The Power of Wisdom (insight into impermanence).
8. Satibala - The Power of constant Mindfulness.
9. Samādhibala - The Power of Concentration (Jhāna).
10. Viriyabala - The Power of relentless Energy.

Textual References

• Canonical: Sekhabala Sutta (AN 5.14) – While frequently grouped as five or seven, these are the comprehensive forces that propel the Trainee to ultimate adept-hood (Asekha).