Abhijñā

A Sanskrit word meaning “superknowledge” or “paranormal power” sometimes referred to as a siddhi. It is used in reference to five powers said to be attained by the Buddha and Buddhist ascetics as a result of their meditative discipline, usually listed as (1) being able to assume any form at will (anyarupasakti), (2) seeing at a distance or “divine eye” (daivyacaksus), (3) hearing at a distance or “divine ear” (daivyasrotra), (4) telepathy or “knowing the mind of another” (paracittajñana), and (5) remembrance of previous lives (purvanirvasanusmrti).

© Copyright by the Theosophical Publishing House, Manila