Numbered Discourses 9.83

9. Bases of Psychic Power

Weaknesses in Training and the Bases of Psychic Power

“Bhikkhus, there are these five weaknesses when you’re training. What five? Killing living creatures, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and using alcoholic drinks that cause negligence. These are the five weaknesses when you’re training.

To give up these five weaknesses in your training you should develop the four bases of psychic power. What four? It’s when a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to enthusiasm, and active effort. They develop the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to energy, and active effort. They develop the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to mental development, and active effort. They develop the basis of psychic power that has samādhi due to inquiry, and active effort. To give up these five weaknesses in your training you should develop these four bases of psychic power.”