Reading guide
A threefold realization, for each of the four bases
Confirmed by direct reading, this discourse's own structure repeats an identical three-step pattern for each basis: first identifying it (“this is the basis of psychic power...”), then recognizing it “should be developed,” and finally confirming it “has been developed” — each step marked by the identical fivefold arising of vision, knowledge, wisdom, realization, and light.
Pubbe ananussutesu dhammesu: unprecedented insight
As general canonical background, confirmed by this discourse's own bare text: “regarding teachings not learned before from another” is the same phrase this project has met describing the Buddha's own unprecedented, self-discovered realization of the four noble truths at his own first sermon — here applied instead to the four bases of psychic power.
Twelve aspects, echoing a famous structure
This project's own observation, drawn from direct comparison rather than asserted from memory alone: four bases, each realized in three phases, totals twelve aspects of insight — the same total this project has met describing the Buddha's own realization of the four noble truths across their own traditional “three turnings.”
Key terms
The text
§1“Mendicants: ‘This is the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm, and active effort.’ Such was the vision, knowledge, wisdom, realization, and light that arose in me regarding teachings not learned before from another. ‘This basis of psychic power … should be developed.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … has been developed.’ Such was the vision, knowledge, wisdom, realization, and light that arose in me regarding teachings not learned before from another.
§2‘This is the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to energy, and active effort.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … should be developed.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … has been developed.’ Such was the vision, knowledge, wisdom, realization, and light that arose in me regarding teachings not learned before from another.
§3‘This is the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to mental development, and active effort.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … should be developed.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … has been developed.’ Such was the vision, knowledge, wisdom, realization, and light that arose in me regarding teachings not learned before from another.
§4‘This is the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to inquiry, and active effort.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … should be developed.’ … ‘This basis of psychic power … has been developed.’ Such was the vision, knowledge, wisdom, realization, and light that arose in me regarding teachings not learned before from another.”
Self-check quiz
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