DiscoverANAN 4AN 4.155

The Buddha describes the four powers, explaining this fourfold teaching for disciples on the path.

PTS 2.142

AN 4.155 The Power of Reflection

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, balāni. Katamāni cattāri? Paṭisaṅkhānabalaṁ, bhāvanābalaṁ, anavajjabalaṁ, saṅgahabalaṁ— Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri balānī”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Cattārimāni, bhikkhave, balāni.

“Mendicants, there are these four powers.

Katamāni cattāri?

What four?

Paṭisaṅkhānabalaṁ, bhāvanābalaṁ, anavajjabalaṁ, saṅgahabalaṁ—

The powers of reflection, development, blamelessness, and inclusiveness.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, cattāri balānī”ti.

These are the four powers.”

Topics & Qualities:

Cultivation

Cultivation

☀️ bright quality

The active practice of 'bringing into being' wholesome states. It is the deliberate nurturing of the bright state of mind.

Also known as: development, improvement, meditation, nurturing, growth
Pāli: bhāvanā
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Investigation

Investigation

topic

Investigation involves the process of a careful inquiry of mental states, qualities, and phenomena, examining their arising, persisting, and ceasing in order to understand their true nature and support the cultivation of wisdom and awakening.

Also known as: inquiry, contemplation, examination, analysis, exploration
Pāli: vicaya, vīmaṃsā, parikkhati
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Last updated on September 14, 2026

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