No individual parallel confirmed by this project's own check
Significance
★★★ — introduces the two-result formula already familiar from other saṃyuttas in this book, and its own title promises a companion discourse
Why this discourse
Confirmed by direct reading, this discourse names a specific pair of results for developing the four bases: “enlightenment in this very life, or if there's residue left behind, non-return” — this project's own cross-reference recognizes this exact formula from other saṃyuttas in this book, here applied for the first time to the four bases specifically.
Reading guide
A familiar formula, newly applied
This project's own cross-reference: the “two results” formula — arahantship or, failing that, non-return (anāgāmitā, meaning no further rebirth in the sensual realm) — is the same formula this project has already translated for other qualities in this book; this is its first confirmed appearance applied specifically to the four bases of psychic power.
A named exception: "if there's residue left behind"
Confirmed by direct reading, the discourse's own wording is precise about the lesser of the two outcomes: non-return applies specifically “if there's residue left behind” — some trace of defilement not yet fully eliminated, distinguishing it from the complete ending named as the first, higher result.
A title that promises a second discourse
This project's own observation: as with SN 51.16-17, this discourse's own root Pāli title marks it explicitly as “first” (paṭhama), and this project does not yet assume what distinguishes its own promised companion until that discourse is directly read.
Key terms
dvinnaṁ phalānaṁ aññataraṁ phalaṁ pāṭikaṅkhaṁ — “one of two results can be expected” — the discourse's own precise framing, not a certainty but an expectation
diṭṭheva dhamme aññā — “enlightenment in this very life” — the first and higher of the two named results, arahantship itself
sati vā upādisese anāgāmitā — “if there's residue left behind, non-return” — the second result, reached when some trace of defilement remains unfinished
anāgāmitā — “non-return” — the state of never again being reborn into the sensual realm, though short of full arahantship
paṭhama — “first” — the discourse's own root Pāli title, marking it as one of a pair, as with SN 51.16-17
The text
The complete discourse. Translation: Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0, SuttaCentral).
§1“Mendicants, there are these four bases of psychic power. What four? It’s when a mendicant develops the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm … energy … mental development … inquiry, and active effort. These are the four bases of psychic power. Because of developing and cultivating these four bases of psychic power, one of two results can be expected: enlightenment in this very life, or if there’s residue left behind, non-return.”
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Self-check quiz
3 questions. Click an answer to see immediate feedback. No score is recorded — this is for your own checking.
Question 1 of 3
What two results does this discourse say can be expected from developing the four bases?
Correct: A. "One of two results can be expected: enlightenment in this very life, or if there's residue left behind, non-return."
Question 2 of 3
What does this project's own cross-reference identify about this formula?
Correct: A. A familiar formula from elsewhere in this book, confirmed here for the first time applied specifically to the four bases.
Question 3 of 3
What does this discourse's own title suggest, following the same pattern as SN 51.16-17?
Correct: A. Paṭhamaphalasutta — "the first Fruits discourse," following the same paired-title pattern as SN 51.16-17.
