Significance of Psychic power
Synonyms: Clairvoyance, Telepathy, Extrasensory perception, Sixth sense, Intuition, Mind reading, Spiritual insight., Precognition
In Dutch: Psychische kracht; In Finnish: Psyykkinen voima; In Spanish: Poder ps铆quico; In German: Psychische Kraft
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Psychic power'
In Buddhism, psychic power encompasses extraordinary mental abilities achieved through deep meditation and spiritual practice. These powers, such as clairvoyance and levitation, can be misused without ethical conduct, demonstrating a dual nature of potential for both good and harmful effects.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Supernatural abilities attained through meditation, illustrating advanced spiritual accomplishments.[1] (2) The extraordinary abilities of Buddha Siddhattha that allowed him to appear instantaneously at the Deer Park.[2] (3) Supernatural abilities, notably held by the Venerable Moggallana, demonstrating the advanced spiritual accomplishments of certain monks.[3] (4) The five mundane powers attained by Kaliadevila through meditation on the kasina device.[4] (5) A special ability attributed to highly advanced spiritual beings, linked to the appearance of the Mandavara flower.[5]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Supernormal abilities that can be attained through advanced meditative practices in Buddhism.[6] (2) Extraordinary abilities acquired through deep meditation and spiritual practices.[7] (3) Special abilities associated with holy men and the Buddha to perceive realities beyond ordinary investigation.[8] (4) The ability attributed to the Buddha that allowed for the resurrection of the ascetic's body, showcasing his mystical capabilities.[9] (5) Extraordinary abilities that allow individuals, such as Arahats, to perceive truths about other realms and the consequences of actions.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The extraordinary abilities attributed to the Buddha as demonstrated in the rain scenario.[11] (2) A term referring to the extraordinary abilities displayed by the venerable Pilindavaccha, which he used to resolve the situation with the golden chaplet.[12] (3) The ability to perform supernatural phenomena, which can diminish with attachment to worldly desires, as shown in Devadatta's story.[13] (4) Extraordinary abilities that are developed through advanced meditation, as demonstrated by the venerable Sagata.[14] (5) A special ability possessed by Mendaka and his family members, allowing them to produce miraculous results.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Worldly abilities attributed to individuals like Devadatta, who pursued status within the Sangha.[16] (2) Supernatural abilities attributed to an Arahat, such as the ability to levitate.[17] (3) The ability gained by Culla Panthaka that allows him to create corporeal figures, resulting from his spiritual transformation.[18] (4) Superior mental abilities associated with spiritual achievement, enabling actions like flying or profound insight.[19] (5) The extraordinary abilities that allowed the Buddha to create illusions and phenomena.[20]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Achieved by the future Buddha, psychic powers represent advanced mental abilities acquired through his practices.[21] (2) Abilities that can be attained through concentration, including miraculous powers like Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Levitation, and various forms of perception beyond normal human capability.[22] (3) Supernormal abilities developed during advanced meditation practices, including clairvoyance and clairaudience.[23] (4) Extraordinary abilities gained by Siddartha through ascetic practices.[24] (5) Capabilities that can be attained through concentration and mental training.[25]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Refers to the abilities and capabilities that can be developed through spiritual practice.[26] (2) Special abilities developed through deep meditation and practice, which are discussed in relation to the teachings of the Buddha.[27]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) Special abilities that some monks possess, which were noted as not being grounds for an offense.[28]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Innate abilities that certain beings can cultivate through spiritual practice, often used for manipulative or disruptive purposes by evil entities.[29]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Extraordinary abilities that are often misinterpreted as true wisdom but can lead to distraction from genuine insight.[30]
Hindu concept of 'Psychic power'
In Hinduism, psychic power signifies extraordinary abilities developed by Kevalas, offering profound knowledge and transcending ordinary perception. However, these powers can distract practitioners and tempt yogis, potentially leading them away from their spiritual journey.
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) Abilities that surpass normal human capabilities and are believed to arise from practices such as samyama, suggesting a deeper understanding of the universe.[31] (2) Extraordinary abilities that may distract a practitioner from their spiritual path.[32] (3) The temptations that may allure a yogi and cause them to deviate from their spiritual path.[33]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Enhanced abilities that provide knowledge of matter in its subtle forms, transcending normal sensory perception.[34]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Special abilities developed by the Kevalas that make them believe they are equivalent to the Supreme Lord.[35]
The concept of Psychic power in local and regional sources
Psychic power encompasses abilities that can be developed but come with risks, including misuse and emotional disturbances. The text highlights Swamiji's encounters, showcasing extraordinary feats and cautioning against the potential dangers of such powers.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The priests in India, the Brahmins, possessed great intellectual and these, and they began the spiritual development of India, accomplishing wonderful things.[36] (2) These are abilities that can be attained, but the text cautions against them due to the potential for misuse and the risk of abnormal emotional arousal, particularly in the sexual context.[37] (3) Psychic powers are abilities that Swamiji had experienced, which included a man being able to withstand a red-hot axe without being burned, and Swamiji's experience with a ghost-tamer.[38]