on the bases for spiritual power

iddhipāda samyutta

Saṃyutta Nikāya 51 of 56

Translated by: Bhikkhu Sujato
Read by: Roland Kitchen

Description

The “Linked Discourses on the Bases of Psychic Power” contains 86 discourses dealing with the qualities of enthusiasm or desire for practice, energy, higher consciousness, and inquiry, which are said to lead to the development of various psychic powers. The purpose of Buddhism, of course, is not to develop such powers. But they are a matter of constant interest and intrigue among spiritual practitioners—not just in ancient India—and it seems the Buddha formulated this approach to the path to inspire those interested in them. The emphasis is on the development of deep meditation immersion (samādhi) through applying effort.