Observations placeholder
The Ceasing of Notions – 11 The Way and other powers
Identifier
029034
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Supernormal powers are usually the province of shamanism and magicians, they are simply extra capabilities and, although there are exceptions, are rarely needed for the Great Work.
According to the Shohomugyo Sutra the mendicant monk Shengyi fell straight into hell; and the Nirvana sutra tells of Bhikkhu Shanxing who possessed demonic eloquence and because of it the ground opened under his feet and he plummeted into the nethermost hell.
A description of the experience
The Ceasing of Notions [or the Treatise on the Transcendence of Cognition]
29. Emmon asks ‘From of old, the beginner's realisation of the Way is incomplete. Only dimly does he or she see the truth, and he or she only understands only superficially the profound and subtle principle. What makes such a one superior to the followers of other Ways who have the five supernormal powers?'
Master Nyuri : ’First of all, however hazily, grasp the principle yourself!
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30. Emmon ‘One who has the five supernormal powers is highly esteemed by others, for he has preknowledge of future events, knows the past and can guard himself against committing faults.
Is this not a superior man?'
Master Nyuri : ’No. Only worldlings are attached to form, are greedy to do business, are deceitful and confuse the truth. Even if one possessed the supernormal powers of the mendicant monk Shengyi, or the eloquence of Bhikkhu Shanxing, yet did not grasp the principle of true form, it is to be feared that he or she would share their misfortune.