Numbered Discourses 5.68

7. Perceptions

Bases of Psychic Power (2nd)

“Bhikkhus, before my awakening—when I was still not awake but intent on awakening—I developed and cultivated five things. What five?

The basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to enthusiasm, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to energy, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to mental development, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to inquiry, and active effort. And the fifth is sheer vigor.

When I had developed and cultivated these five things, with vigor as fifth, I became capable of realizing anything that can be realized by insight to which I extended the mind, in each and every case.

If I wished: ‘May I multiply myself and become one again … controlling the body as far as the Brahmā realm.’ I was capable of realizing it, in each and every case.

If I wished: … ‘May I realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom in this very life, and live having realized it with my own insight due to the ending of defilements.’ I was capable of realizing it, in each and every case.”