Developing the bases of psychic power can lead to enlightenment in this very life or the state of non-returning.

AN 5.67  Paṭhama iddhipāda sutta - Bases for Psychic Power (First)

“Yo hi koci, bhikkhave, bhikkhu bhikkhunī pañca dhamme bhāveti, pañca dhamme bahulīkaroti, tassa dvinnaṁ phalānaṁ aññataraṁ phalaṁ pāṭikaṅkhaṁ diṭṭheva dhamme aññā, sati upādisese anāgāmitā.

“Bhikkhus, any bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who develops and frequently practices these five qualities can expect one of two results: either final |knowledge::enlightenment| in this very life or, if there is any |residual clinging for existence::remnant of grasping for renewed becoming [upādisesa]|, the state of |non-returning::third stage of awakening where the five lower fetters of personal existence view, doubt, adherence to rules and observances, sensual desire, and ill will are permanently dropped [anāgāmitā]|.

Katame pañca?

What are these five?

Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu chandasamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṁ iddhipādaṁ bhāveti,

Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with |collectedness::stability of mind, stillness of mind, mental composure [samādhi]| arising from |aspiration::a goal, an interest, an objective, i.e. a wholesome motivation [chanda]| and accompanied by intentional effort,

vīriyasamādhi …pe…

develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with collectedness arising from energy and accompanied by intentional effort,

cittasamādhi

develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with collectedness arising from |[purification of] mind::purification of heart [citta]| and active effort and accompanied by intentional effort,

vīmaṁsāsamādhipadhānasaṅkhārasamannāgataṁ iddhipādaṁ bhāveti,

develops the basis of psychic power that is endowed with collectedness arising from |investigation::consideration, reflection, and examination [vīmaṃsā]| and accompanied by intentional effort,

ussoḷhiññeva pañcamiṁ.

enthusiasm itself makes the fifth.

Yo hi koci, bhikkhave, bhikkhu bhikkhunī ime pañca dhamme bhāveti, ime pañca dhamme bahulīkaroti, tassa dvinnaṁ phalānaṁ aññataraṁ phalaṁ pāṭikaṅkhaṁ diṭṭheva dhamme aññā, sati upādisese anāgāmitā”ti.

Bhikkhus, any bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who develops and frequently practices these five qualities can expect one of two results: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is any residual clinging for existence, the state of non-returning.”

Last updated on January 12, 2026