What Are Spiritual Powers? When Can They Manifest?

The so-called supernatural powers refer to the ability of the manas (mind faculty) to discern all dharmas based on the tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-nature). However, the dharmas discerned by the manas are unknown to the mental consciousness (mano-vijñāna), which represents the state without supernatural powers. If the mental consciousness enters a deep state of samādhi (meditative concentration), where the conscious mind becomes highly focused and its discerning power intensifies, it can also perceive many dharmas known to the manas. The extent to which the mental consciousness can perceive these dharmas depends on the strength of samādhi and the level of wisdom attained—that is, the power of samādhi itself.

Why are supernatural powers related to samādhi and the manas? The physical body exerts immense influence and control over the six consciousnesses. When samādhi arises, the physical body's influence and control over the six consciousnesses diminish. Freed from the constraints of the physical body, the mental consciousness can then perceive the many dharmas—indeed, all dharmas—discerned by the manas. Therefore, the first step toward manifesting supernatural powers is to subdue the physical body, traversing the domain of the form aggregate (rūpa-skandha), so that the conscious mind is no longer controlled by the body. Only when the mind detaches from its form can supernatural powers arise. The form aggregate functions as an obscuration imposed by the physical body. The five aggregates (skandhas) collectively constitute an obscuring function. Once this barrier is breached, the obscuration vanishes, and supernatural powers manifest. Alas, this body I possess is indeed a great affliction!

The form aggregate also obscures the manas. When the manas regards the physical body as real and clings to it firmly, neither samādhi nor supernatural powers can arise. Only when the manas is freed from bondage can the mental consciousness likewise be liberated, enabling supernatural powers to manifest. When the power of samādhi is exceedingly strong and the wisdom of the manas is profoundly developed, the manas can fully take the place of the six consciousnesses.