PHENOMENA IN THE AWAKENING OF TRANSCENDENT POWERS

PHENOMENA IN THE AWAKENING OF TRANSCENDENT POWERS

Guiding Teacher: Master Bennie Spirit

Chinese Editor: Ven. Yinyue (LiCheng Li)

Vietnamese Translator: Ven. Chon Ngo (Grace Spirit)

English Editor: English Editor: Gemini & Anonymous

Introduction: Why awakening is Key in Modern Meditation

In today’s fast-paced world, more people than ever are turning to meditation to find peace and liberation from stress. However, many of them embark on this spiritual journey without a clear roadmap, are unaware of the profound mental and physical transformations involved.

These series are shared to address a critical need: providing a safe and grounded roadmap for practitioners. While meditation is able to unlock extraordinary inner potential (The Luminous True Mind), it can also lead to significant risks if misunderstood. These articles aim to help you distinguish between genuine progress and the illusions that possibly lead to mental instability. This is not just a study of phenomena, but a manual for safely spiritual awakening.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

I. Phenomena When Humans Break Through Material Limitations

1. Physical Transcendence of External Obstacles
2. Clear Perception of the Body’s Internal Structure
3. Hearing the Sound of Dharma Teaching in the Air
4. Manifestation of Sacred Lands of the Gods
5. Simultaneous Appearance of Holy Realms Without Mutual Obstruction
6. Ability to See Objects in a Dark Room
7. Breakthrough of Barriers Among Internal and External Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind)
8. Simultaneous Appearance of Gods, Holy Realms, Ordinary People, and Ordinary Scenes
9. Perception of All far away Things (Clairvoyance)
10. Perceiving Various Transformations of Physical Form
11. Summary

II. The Process of Transcending Confusion, Loss, and Delusion of Thought

1. Gradual Expansion of the Compassionate Mind (Eliminating Suffering)
2. Gradual Expansion of the Mind of Growth
3. Initial Experience of the State of Emptiness
4. Initial Experience of Wisdom of Concentration (Samadhi)
5. Entering a Deeper State of Emptiness
6. Attaining the State of Ease in Body and Mind
7. Initial Experience of Superior Understanding and Insight
8. Mastering The Natural Process of Meditation
9. Profound Experience of the State of Emptiness
10. Fully Inner Experience of the Peaceful State of Meditation
11. Summary

III. Breaking Through the Limitations and Obstacles of Perception (The World of Formation)

1. Initial Mastery of All Methods to Achieve One’s Noble Desires
2. Freely Manifesting, Transforming, and Moving
3. Truly Knowing the Thoughts Within Another Person’s Mind of other people (Mind-Reading)
4. Observing and Understanding the Beginning and End of All Transformations in the Universe
5. Temporarily Altering the Physical Form of Others
6. Temporarily Attaining Transcendent Powers
7. Predicting the Future (Precognition)
8. Mastery of All Types of Transformations
9. Ability to Enter the Essence of Emptiness
10. Freely Changing Physical Appearance and Age
11. Summary

IV. Overcoming Obstacles Across Eighty Thousand Kalpas While Being Limited by Current Realms and Self-Righteousness

1. Concluding That Everything Has No Cause After Precise Observation
2. Concluding That Everything Exists Eternally After Precise Observation
3. Concluding That Things are Both Eternal Permanent and Impermanent After Precise Observation
4. Concluding That the Universe Is Both Finite and Infinite After Precise Observation
5. Concluding That Things Both Exist and Do Not Exist After Thorough Observation
6. Perceiving the Existence of Life After Death After Thorough Observation
7. Perceiving the Non-Existence of Life After Death After Thorough Observation
8. Concluding That Life After Death Both Exists and Does Not Exist After Thorough Observation
9. Concluding the Total Annihilation After Death After Thorough Observation
10. Identifying Five Types of Nirvana After Thorough Research and Observation
11. Summary

V. Overcoming the Obstacles and Limitations of Habitual Tendencies

VI. Conclusion

Installment Episode I: Preface – The Inherent Wisdom of the Spirit

In today’s fast-paced world, more people than ever are turning to meditation to find peace and liberation from stress. However, many embark on this spiritual journey without a clear roadmap, unaware of the profound phenomena — and potential risks — that can arise when practicing incorrectly.

We are pleased to introduce the first installment from “Phenomena in the Process of Activating Inner Potential” by Master Bennie. This series serves as a vital guide for the modern practitioner. It explains that while we all possess an inherent “Luminous True Mind” capable of extraordinary insight, these experiences must be approached with a grounded and guarded perspective. Without proper understanding, one can easily fall into the trap of “delusion and attachment,” leading to mental confusion rather than true enlightenment.

PREFACE

The Essence of Spiritual Wisdom and Transcendent Powers

Every sentient being inherently possesses the wisdom of the spirit. Yet, because we constantly chase illusions, pursue errors, and stubbornly insist on our own “correctness,” we leave no room for the inherent wisdom of the Holy Spirit. If one abandons illusions, delusions, and attachments, all wisdom will naturally manifest![1]

The Holy Spirit—also known as Nirvana, Suchness (Tathatā), Liberation, the Mysterious Pearl, or the Spiritual Mind—are all different names for the Mind. When the spiritual mind manifests, there is nothing it cannot do.[2]

The wisdom of an ordinary person is able to see what has already happened, but cannot see what is about to happen.[3] There are multiple types of wisdom, and each could be defined precisely.[4]

For instance, the Six Higher Transcendent Powers (Abhijñā) include:[5]

• Divya-caksu: The ability to see according to one’s will (Divine Eye).
• Divya-srotra: The ability to hear according to one’s will (Divine Ear).
• Para-citta-jnana: The ability to know the psychology of others at will (Mind-reading).
• Purva-nivasa: The ability to understand the details of life’s past journeys.
• Rddhividha: The ability to change all things according to one’s will (Miraculous Powers).
• Asrava-ksaya: The ability to use the light of wisdom to illuminate everything (Extinction of Defilements).

The term “Proof” (Zheng) means to verify or to confirm.[6]

Perhaps many believe that Buddhism does not advocate for transcendent powers, often citing Confucian concepts of “strange forces” or the Buddha’s historical reprimand of the nun Uppalavanna (Lian Hua Se) to argue against them.

However, in reality, according to Buddhism, supernatural powers are the most basic condition—the “capital” and the capability—for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to practice loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity to save all sentient beings. If we possess full supernatural abilities, we are able to bring greater benefit to all.[7]

Citations & References

• [1] Avatamsaka Sutra, Vol. 51; 卍 Xuzangjing, Vol. 63, No. 1231.
• [2] 卍 Xuzangjing, Vol. 63, No. 1231, Commentary on the Mind Poem (4 Volumes), Vol. 2, by Master Yanshou of the Song Dynasty.
• [3] Jia Yi, Zhi An Ce (Treatise on Peace and Order).
• [4] Shuowen Jiezi (Ancient Chinese Dictionary).
• [5] Shuowen Jiezi (Ancient Chinese Dictionary).
• [6] Guangya Shigu, Vol. 4.
• [7] Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, Vol. 26, Chapter 83. (CBETA 2023.Q3, T08, no. 223, p. 410c18-26).

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[1] Avatamsaka Sutra, Vol. 51; Translated by Shikshananda; Chapter on the Manifestation of the Tathagata: “There is no sentient being that does not possess the wisdom of the Tathagata, but because of delusional thoughts and attachments, they do not realize it… If they leave behind delusions, then All-encompassing Wisdom, Natural Wisdom, and Unobstructed Wisdom will manifest.” (Source: 卍 Xuzangjing, Vol. 63, No. 1231).

[2] 卍 Xuzangjing, Vol. 63, No. 1231, Commentary on the Mind Poem (4 Volumes), Vol. 2, by Master Yanshou of the Song Dynasty.

[3] Jia Yi, Zhi An Ce (Treatise on Peace and Order).

[4] Shuowen Jiezi (Ancient Chinese Dictionary).

[5] Shuowen Jiezi (Ancient Chinese Dictionary).

[6] Guangya Shigu, Vol. 4.

[7] Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, Vol. 26, Chapter 83: “Subhuti! When a Bodhisattva-mahasattva practices the Prajnaparamita, they abide in the Transcendent Powers to benefit sentient beings… Just as a bird without wings cannot fly high, a Bodhisattva without supernatural powers cannot teach and transform sentient beings according to their needs.” (CBETA 2023.Q3, T08, no. 223, p. 410c18-26).