Whoever in the past, future, or present produces psychic abilities, all of them do so through the development and frequent practice of the four bases of psychic abilities.

Iddhipadesa sutta - Limited Psychic Ability

“Bhikkhus, whoever in the past, whether ascetics or brāhmins, have produced limited psychic abilities, all of them did so through the development and frequent practice of the four bases of psychic abilities. Bhikkhus, whoever in the future, whether ascetics or brāhmins, will produce limited psychic abilities, all of them will do so through the development and frequent practice of the four bases of psychic abilities. Bhikkhus, whoever at present, whether ascetics or brāhmins, are producing limited psychic abilities, all of them are doing so 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 arising from aspiration and accompanied by intentional effort. He develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from determination and accompanied by intentional effort. He develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from [purification of] mind and accompanied by intentional effort. And he develops the basis of psychic ability that is endowed with collectedness arising from investigation and accompanied by intentional effort.

Bhikkhus, whoever in the past, whether ascetics or brāhmins, have produced limited psychic abilities, all of them did so through the development and frequent practice of these very four bases of psychic abilities. Bhikkhus, whoever in the future, whether ascetics or brāhmins, will produce limited psychic abilities, all of them will do so through the development and frequent practice of these very four bases of psychic abilities. Bhikkhus, whoever at present, whether ascetics or brāhmins, are producing limited psychic abilities, all of them are doing so through the development and frequent practice of these very four bases of psychic abilities.”

Last updated on April 2, 2025

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