Supernatural Powers in Buddhist Practice: Mastering Abhiññā in Hpa-Auk Buddhist Meditation Method in Contemporary Myanmar

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, six supernatural powers called abhiññās—including recalling past lives and reading minds—are often marginalized as non-essential or heterodox. This research examines how the contemporary meditation method of Burmese monk Hpa-Auk Sayadaw restructures these powers as a systematic, canonical practice. Based on fieldwork and interviews since 2014, the study shows that abilities such as recalling past lives and the 'divine eye' function as rational tools for deepening understanding of Buddhist teachings, including karmic interconnectedness, the cycle of rebirth, and compassion. Analyzing the living practice of three nuns in Myanmar, the paper demonstrates how cultivating abhiññās is integrated within the Pāli canonical meditation system, expanding focus beyond popular mindfulness and vipassanā movements.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In Buddhism, the abhiññās (literally ‘higher knowledges’) refer to six types of supernatural powers that include recalling past lives and reading minds. This research explores the practical importance of supernatural powers (abhiññās) within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, focusing on the contemporary meditation method formulated by the Burmese monk, Hpa-Auk Sayadaw (1934-). While modern Burmese Buddhism has largely marginalised concentration practice (samatha-jhāna) to produce these powers as non-essential or heterodox ‘wizard’ culture in favour of mindfulness-based insight (vipassanā), the Hpa-Auk meditation method restructures them as a systematic and canonical practice. Drawing on fieldwork and interviews since 2014, this study examines how abilities such as recalling past lives and the ‘divine eye’ function as rational tools for a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, culminating in liberation. Rather than mere displays of power, these experiences are shown to deepen insight into Buddhist truths by practitioners, including karmic interconnectedness, the cycle of rebirth, and the development of compassion. By analysing this living practice of three nuns in Myanmar, the paper demonstrates how the cultivation of abhiññās is integrated within the Pāli canonical meditation system. Consequently, the paper sheds light on the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary ‘orthodox’ Buddhist meditation, expanding the focus beyond popular mindfulness and vipassanā movements.