Powers (2nd) (AN8.28)

Numbered Discourses 8.28

3. Householders

Powers (2nd)

Then Venerable Sāriputta went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him:

“Sāriputta, how many powers does a mendicant who has ended the defilements have that qualify them to claim:

‘My defilements have ended’?”

“Sir, a mendicant who has ended the defilements has eight powers that qualify them to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’

What eight?

Firstly, a mendicant with defilements ended has clearly seen with right wisdom all conditions as truly impermanent.

This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’

Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has clearly seen with right wisdom that sensual pleasures are truly like a pit of glowing coals.

This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’

Furthermore, the mind of a mendicant with defilements ended slants, slopes, and inclines to seclusion. They’re withdrawn, loving renunciation, and have totally eliminated defiling influences.

This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’

Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has well developed the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.

This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’

Furthermore, a mendicant with defilements ended has well developed the four bases of psychic power …

the five faculties …

the seven awakening factors …

the noble eightfold path.

This is a power that a mendicant who has ended the defilements relies on to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’

A mendicant who has ended the defilements possesses these eight powers that qualify them to claim:

‘My defilements have ended.’”