Reading guide
A confirmed pair with SN 51.5
Confirmed by direct comparison, this discourse's own text is word-for-word identical to SN 51.5's own except for a single substitution — “samattaṁ iddhiṁ” (complete) in place of “iddhipadesaṁ” (partial) — confirming these two discourses form a deliberate pair covering both ends of the same spectrum.
Samatta: whole, entire, complete
As general canonical background, not asserted beyond what this discourse's own bare text states: “samatta” (“complete, whole, entire”) stands in direct contrast to SN 51.5's own “padesa” (“portion, part”), marking the upper end of the same range of manifestation this pair of discourses covers together.
The same universal claim, now for the fullest attainment
This discourse's own claim spans the identical three time periods and the identical “ascetics and brahmins” of any tradition already met at SN 51.5, now specifying that even the most complete manifestation of psychic power, by anyone, anywhere, traces to these same four bases.
Key terms
The text
§1“Mendicants, all the ascetics and brahmins in the past who have completely manifested psychic powers have done so by developing and cultivating the four bases of psychic power. All the ascetics and brahmins in the future who will completely manifest psychic powers will do so by developing and cultivating the four bases of psychic power. All the ascetics and brahmins in the present who are completely manifesting psychic powers do so by developing and cultivating the four bases of psychic power.
§2What 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. All the ascetics and brahmins in the past who have completely manifested psychic powers have done so by developing and cultivating these four bases of psychic power. All the ascetics and brahmins in the future who will completely manifest psychic powers will do so by developing and cultivating these four bases of psychic power. All the ascetics and brahmins in the present who are completely manifesting psychic powers do so by developing and cultivating these four bases of psychic power.”
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