“Bhikkhus, any ascetics or brahmins in the past who were mighty and powerful, they all attained such might and power through the development and frequent practice of the four bases of psychic abilities::bases for spiritual power [iddhipādā]|. Any ascetics or brahmins in the future who will be mighty and powerful, they too will attain such might and power through the development and frequent practice of the four bases of psychic abilities. Any ascetics or brahmins in the present who are mighty and powerful, they too have attained such might and power through the development and frequent practice of the four bases of psychic abilities.
What four?
Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with |collectedness::stability of mind, stillness of mind, mental composure [samādhi]| arising from |aspiration::a goal, an interest, an objective, i.e. a wholesome motivation [chanda]| and accompanied by intentional effort, develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from |determination::will power, energy [vīriya]| and accompanied by intentional effort, develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from |[purification of] mind::purification of heart [citta]| and accompanied by intentional effort, and develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from |investigation::consideration, reflection, and examination [vīmaṃsā]| and accompanied by intentional effort.
Bhikkhus, any ascetics or brahmins in the past who were mighty and powerful, they all attained such might and power through the development and frequent practice of these very four bases of psychic abilities. Any ascetics or brahmins in the future who will be mighty and powerful, they too will attain such might and power through the development and frequent practice of these very four bases of psychic abilities. Any ascetics or brahmins in the present who are mighty and powerful, they too have attained such might and power through the development and frequent practice of these very four bases of psychic abilities.”