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← Aṅguttara Nikāya

Bases of Psychic Power (2nd)

AN 5.68 · Dutiyaiddhipādasutta

A young maple sapling reflected in a woodland pool.

“Mendicants, before my awakening—when I was still not awake but intent on awakening—I developed and cultivated five things. What five?

The basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to energy, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to mental development, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to inquiry, and active effort. And the fifth is sheer vigor.

When I had developed and cultivated these five things, with vigor as fifth, I extended the mind to realize by insight each and every thing that can be realized by insight; and I was capable of realizing those things, since each and every one was within range.

If I wished: ‘May I multiply myself and become one again … controlling the body as far as the realm of divinity.’ I was capable of realizing it, since each and every one is within range.

If I wished: … ‘May I realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom, and live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.’ I was capable of realizing it, since each and every one is within range.”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.