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 (anyarūpaśakti), (2) seeing at a distance or “divine eye” (daivyacakśus), (3) hearing at a distance or “divine ear” (daivyaśrotra), (4) telepathy or “knowing the mind of another” (paracittajñāna), and (5) remembrance of previous lives (pūrvanirvāsānusmṛti).

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