Difference between revisions of "Abhijña (Higher Knowledges)"
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| + | [[Abhijña]] ([[Pali]], [[abhiñña]]; [[higher knowledge]]) refers to a stereotyped set of typically six [[spiritual powers]] ascribed to [[buddhas]] and their chief [[disciples]]. | ||
| − | |||
| + | The first five are [[mundane]] and attainable through the [[perfection]] of [[concentration]] ([[samadhi]]) in [[meditative trance]] ([[dhyana]]; [[Pali]], [[jhana]]). | ||
| − | |||
| + | As [[earthly]] [[attainments]], they are deemed available to [[non-Buddhist]] [[sages]]. | ||
| − | + | In contrast, the sixth [[higher knowledge]] is [[supramundane]] and exclusively [[Buddhist]], and attainable only through [[insight]] ([[vipasyana]]; [[Pali]], [[vipassana]]) into the [[Buddhist]] [[truths]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | In contrast, the sixth higher knowledge is supramundane and exclusively [[Buddhist]], and attainable only through insight ([[vipasyana]]; [[Pali]], [[vipassana]]) into the [[Buddhist]] [[truths]]. | ||
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| − | • The [[divine eye]] ([[divyacaksus]]; [[Pali]], [[dibbacakkhu]]), or the ability to see the demise and [[rebirth]] of beings according to their good and evil deeds; | + | • The [[divine eye]] ([[divyacaksus]]; [[Pali]], [[dibbacakkhu]]), or the ability to see the demise and [[rebirth]] of [[beings]] according to their [[good and evil]] [[deeds]]; |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | • The [[divine ear]] ([[divya´srota]]; [[Pali]], [[dibbasota]]), the ability to hear [[heavenly]] and [[earthly]] {{Wiki|sounds}} far and near; | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | • [[Knowledge of other minds]] ([[cetah paryayajñana]]; [[Pali]], [[cetopariyañana]]), the ability to know the [[thoughts]] and [[mental states]] of others; | ||
| − | |||
| − | the ability to remember one’s former existences from one to thousands of [[rebirths]], through the evolution and destruction of many world systems; | + | • [[Recollection of previous habitations]] ([[purvanivasanusmti]]; [[Pali]] [[pubbenivasanusati]]), the ability to remember one’s former [[existences]] from one to thousands of [[rebirths]], through the [[evolution]] and destruction of many [[world]] systems; |
| − | • [[Various supernatural powers]] ([[rddhi]]; Pali, [[iddhi]]), such as | + | • [[Various supernatural powers]] ([[rddhi]]; [[Pali]], [[iddhi]]), such as |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | the ability to create [[mind]]-made bodies, | + | the ability to create [[mind]]-made [[bodies]], |
project replicas of oneself, | project replicas of oneself, | ||
| − | become invisible, | + | become {{Wiki|invisible}}, |
| − | pass through solid objects, | + | pass through solid [[objects]], |
| − | move through the earth, | + | move through the [[earth]], |
| − | walk on water, | + | walk on [[water]], |
| − | fly through the air, | + | fly through the [[air]], |
| − | touch the sun and moon, and | + | {{Wiki|touch}} the {{Wiki|sun}} and [[moon]], and |
| − | ascend to the highest heaven. | + | ascend to the [[highest heaven]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | In the [[MAHAPARINIRVANA-SUTRA]] ([[Pali]], [[Mahaparinibbana-sutta]]; [[Great Discourse on the Parinirvana]]), the [[Buddha]] tells his [[disciple]] [[ANANDA]] that one who perfects the [[four bases of supernatural power]] ([[rddhipada]]; [[Pali]], [[iddhipada]]) can live for an entire eon, or for the remaining portion of an eon should he so desire. | + | In the [[MAHAPARINIRVANA-SUTRA]] ([[Pali]], [[Mahaparinibbana-sutta]]; [[Great Discourse on the Parinirvana]]), the [[Buddha]] tells his [[disciple]] [[ANANDA]] that one who perfects the [[four bases of supernatural power]] ([[rddhipada]]; [[Pali]], [[iddhipada]]) can live for an entire [[eon]], or for the remaining portion of an [[eon]] should he so [[desire]]. |
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| − | Called “[[knowledge of the extinction of the passions]]” ([[asravaksaya]]; Pali, [[asavakkhaya]]), it is equivalent to [[arhatship]]. | + | Called “[[knowledge of the extinction of the passions]]” ([[asravaksaya]]; [[Pali]], [[asavakkhaya]]), it is {{Wiki|equivalent}} to [[arhatship]]. |
| − | The passions extinguished through this [[knowledge]] are sensuality (kama), becoming ([[bhava]]), ignorance ([[avidya]]; [[Pali]], [[avijja]]), and views ([[drsti]]; [[Pali]], [[ditthi]]). | + | The [[passions]] [[extinguished]] through this [[knowledge]] are [[sensuality]] ([[kama]]), becoming ([[bhava]]), [[ignorance]] ([[avidya]]; [[Pali]], [[avijja]]), and [[views]] ([[drsti]]; [[Pali]], [[ditthi]]). |
| − | Historically, the [[six abhijñas]] can be seen as an elaboration of an earlier [[Buddhist]] paradigm of human perfection called the | + | Historically, the [[six abhijñas]] can be seen as an [[elaboration]] of an earlier [[Buddhist]] [[paradigm]] of [[human]] [[perfection]] called the “[[three knowledges]]” ([[traividya]]; [[Pali]], [[tevijja]]). |
| − | Comprised of the recollection of former habitations, the [[divine eye]], and [[knowledge of the extinction of the passions]], the three knowledges form the content of the [[Buddha’s]] awakening in early canonical depictions of his [[enlightenment]] experience. | + | Comprised of the [[recollection]] of former habitations, the [[divine eye]], and [[knowledge of the extinction of the passions]], the [[three knowledges]] [[form]] the content of the [[Buddha’s]] [[awakening]] in early [[Wikipedia:canonical|canonical]] depictions of his [[enlightenment]] [[experience]]. |
| − | Although mastery of the [[six abhijñas]] is an attribute of all perfect [[buddhas]], the early [[Buddhist tradition]] was ambivalent toward the display of [[supernatural powers]] by members of the [[monastic order]]. | + | Although [[mastery]] of the [[six abhijñas]] is an attribute of all {{Wiki|perfect}} [[buddhas]], the early [[Buddhist tradition]] was ambivalent toward the display of [[supernatural powers]] by members of the [[monastic order]]. |
| − | In the [[Kevaddhasutta]] (Discourse to Kevaddha), the [[Buddha]] disparages as vulgar those monks who would reveal such powers to the laity, and in the [[VINAYA]] or [[monastic code]], he makes it an offense for them to do so. | + | In the [[Kevaddhasutta]] ([[Discourse]] to [[Kevaddha]]), the [[Buddha]] disparages as [[vulgar]] those [[monks]] who would reveal such [[powers]] to the laity, and in the [[VINAYA]] or [[monastic code]], he makes it an offense for them to do so. |
| − | Despite these strictures, wonder-working saints were lionized in the literatures of all [[Buddhist schools]], and they became | + | Despite these strictures, wonder-working [[saints]] were lionized in the literatures of all [[Buddhist schools]], and they became |
| − | the focus of numerous [[ARHAT]] [[cults]], such as those devoted to the worship of the disciples [[UPAGUPTA]] and [[MAHAKASYAPA]]. | + | the focus of numerous [[ARHAT]] [[cults]], such as those devoted to the {{Wiki|worship}} of the [[disciples]] [[UPAGUPTA]] and [[MAHAKASYAPA]]. |
| − | The [[MAHAYANA]] tradition elaborated upon the [[abhijñas]] and [[rddhis]] of early [[Buddhism]] in its depictions of the attainments of celestial [[bodhisattvas]] and cosmic [[buddhas]]. | + | The [[MAHAYANA]] [[tradition]] elaborated upon the [[abhijñas]] and [[rddhis]] of early [[Buddhism]] in its depictions of the [[attainments]] of [[celestial]] [[bodhisattvas]] and [[cosmic]] [[buddhas]]. |
| − | In [[Buddhist]] [[TANTRA]], these same powers became the model for a host of magical abilities called [[siddhis]] possessed by [[tantric masters]] and displayed as signs of their [[spiritual]] perfection. | + | In [[Buddhist]] [[TANTRA]], these same [[powers]] became the model for a host of [[magical]] {{Wiki|abilities}} called [[siddhis]] possessed by [[tantric masters]] and displayed as [[signs]] of their [[spiritual]] [[perfection]]. |
| − | See also: [[Dhyana]] (Trance State); [[Meditation]]; [[Vipassana]] ([[Sanskrit]], [[Vipasyana)]] | + | See also: [[Dhyana]] ([[Trance]] [[State]]); [[Meditation]]; [[Vipassana]] ([[Sanskrit]], [[Vipasyana)]] |
| − | Bibliography | + | [[Bibliography]] |
| − | [[Buddhaghosa]]. [[The Path of Purification]] ([[Visuddhimagga]]), tr. [[Bhikkhu Nyanamoli]]. Berkeley, CA: Shambhala, 1964. | + | [[Buddhaghosa]]. [[The Path of Purification]] ([[Visuddhimagga]]), tr. [[Bhikkhu Nyanamoli]]. [[Berkeley]], CA: [[Shambhala]], 1964. |
| − | Katz, Nathan. [[Buddhist]] Images of Human Perfection: The [[Arahant]] of the [[Sutta Pitaka]] Compared with the [[Bodhisattva]] and the [[Mahasiddha]]. [[Delhi]]: Motilal Banarsidass, 1982. | + | Katz, Nathan. [[Buddhist]] Images of [[Human]] [[Perfection]]: The [[Arahant]] of the [[Sutta Pitaka]] Compared with the [[Bodhisattva]] and the [[Mahasiddha]]. [[Delhi]]: {{Wiki|Motilal Banarsidass}}, 1982. |
| − | Ray, Reginald A. [[Buddhist]] Saints in [[India]]: A Study in [[Buddhist]] Values and Orientations. New York: [[Oxford University]] Press, 1994. | + | Ray, Reginald A. [[Buddhist]] [[Saints]] in [[India]]: A Study in [[Buddhist]] Values and Orientations. [[New York]]: [[Oxford University]] Press, 1994. |
Latest revision as of 23:38, 10 February 2020
Abhijña (Pali, abhiñña; higher knowledge) refers to a stereotyped set of typically six spiritual powers ascribed to buddhas and their chief disciples.
The first five are mundane and attainable through the perfection of concentration (samadhi) in meditative trance (dhyana; Pali, jhana).
As earthly attainments, they are deemed available to non-Buddhist sages.
In contrast, the sixth higher knowledge is supramundane and exclusively Buddhist, and attainable only through insight (vipasyana; Pali, vipassana) into the Buddhist truths.
The five mundane abhijñas include
• The divine eye (divyacaksus; Pali, dibbacakkhu), or the ability to see the demise and rebirth of beings according to their good and evil deeds;
• The divine ear (divya´srota; Pali, dibbasota), the ability to hear heavenly and earthly sounds far and near;
• Knowledge of other minds (cetah paryayajñana; Pali, cetopariyañana), the ability to know the thoughts and mental states of others;
• Recollection of previous habitations (purvanivasanusmti; Pali pubbenivasanusati), the ability to remember one’s former existences from one to thousands of rebirths, through the evolution and destruction of many world systems;
• Various supernatural powers (rddhi; Pali, iddhi), such as
the ability to create mind-made bodies,
project replicas of oneself,
become invisible,
pass through solid objects,
move through the earth,
walk on water,
fly through the air,
touch the sun and moon, and
ascend to the highest heaven.
In the MAHAPARINIRVANA-SUTRA (Pali, Mahaparinibbana-sutta; Great Discourse on the Parinirvana), the Buddha tells his disciple ANANDA that one who perfects the four bases of supernatural power (rddhipada; Pali, iddhipada) can live for an entire eon, or for the remaining portion of an eon should he so desire.
The sixth and only supramundane abhijña is the most important.
Called “knowledge of the extinction of the passions” (asravaksaya; Pali, asavakkhaya), it is equivalent to arhatship.
The passions extinguished through this knowledge are sensuality (kama), becoming (bhava), ignorance (avidya; Pali, avijja), and views (drsti; Pali, ditthi).
Historically, the six abhijñas can be seen as an elaboration of an earlier Buddhist paradigm of human perfection called the “three knowledges” (traividya; Pali, tevijja).
Comprised of the recollection of former habitations, the divine eye, and knowledge of the extinction of the passions, the three knowledges form the content of the Buddha’s awakening in early canonical depictions of his enlightenment experience.
Although mastery of the six abhijñas is an attribute of all perfect buddhas, the early Buddhist tradition was ambivalent toward the display of supernatural powers by members of the monastic order.
In the Kevaddhasutta (Discourse to Kevaddha), the Buddha disparages as vulgar those monks who would reveal such powers to the laity, and in the VINAYA or monastic code, he makes it an offense for them to do so.
Despite these strictures, wonder-working saints were lionized in the literatures of all Buddhist schools, and they became the focus of numerous ARHAT cults, such as those devoted to the worship of the disciples UPAGUPTA and MAHAKASYAPA.
The MAHAYANA tradition elaborated upon the abhijñas and rddhis of early Buddhism in its depictions of the attainments of celestial bodhisattvas and cosmic buddhas.
In Buddhist TANTRA, these same powers became the model for a host of magical abilities called siddhis possessed by tantric masters and displayed as signs of their spiritual perfection.
See also: Dhyana (Trance State); Meditation; Vipassana (Sanskrit, Vipasyana)
Buddhaghosa. The Path of Purification (Visuddhimagga), tr. Bhikkhu Nyanamoli. Berkeley, CA: Shambhala, 1964.
Katz, Nathan. Buddhist Images of Human Perfection: The Arahant of the Sutta Pitaka Compared with the Bodhisattva and the Mahasiddha. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1982.
Ray, Reginald A. Buddhist Saints in India: A Study in Buddhist Values and Orientations. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994.
PATRICK A. PRANKE
