Abhinna

Abhinna In Buddhism, supernatural knowledge or insight, possessed by the Buddha and those who have been enlightened. One Buddhist text tells of the Buddha and a disciple discussing Abhinna. The disciple asked: “Can an humble monk, by sanctifying himself, acquire the talents of supernatural wisdom called Abhinna and the supernatural powers called Iddhi?” The Buddha then asked: “Which are the Abhinnas?” The disciple replied: “There are six Abhinnas: (1) the celestial eye; (2) the celestial ear; (3) the body at will or the power of transformation; (4) the knowledge of the destiny of former dwellings; so as to know former states of existence; (5) the faculty of reading the thoughts of others; and (6) the knowledge of comprehending the finality of the stream of life.” The sixth Abhinna is possessed only by enlightened beings. Spiritually advanced beings may possess the other five.

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante