​Chapter 7 Iddhipada Samyutta (On the bases for Spiritual power)

​SN 51.1 Apāra Sutta: From the Near Shore

"Bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, lead to going beyond from the near shore to the far shore. What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to mind and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, lead to going beyond from the near shore to the far shore."

(The four bases of psychic power lead from the near to the far shore.)

SN 51.2 Viraddha Sutta: Neglected

"Bhikkhus, those who have neglected the four bases for spiritual power have neglected the noble path leading to the complete destruction of suffering. Those who have undertaken the four bases for spiritual power have undertaken the noble path leading to the complete destruction of suffering. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"Bhikkhus, those who have neglected ... who have undertaken these four bases for spiritual power have undertaken the noble path leading to the complete destruction of suffering."

(One who has neglected the four bases of psychic power has neglected the path to the end of suffering.)

SN 51.3 Ariya Sutta: Noble

"Bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, are noble and emancipating; they lead the one who acts upon them out to the complete destruction of suffering. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These four bases for spiritual power '" lead the one who acts upon them out to the complete destruction of suffering." 

(The four bases of psychic power are noble and emancipating.)

SN 51.4 Nibbidā Sutta: Revulsion
​
"Bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, lead to utter revulsion, to dispassion, to cessation, to peace, to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These four bases for spiritual power ... lead to Nibbana."

(The four bases of psychic power lead to dispassion.)

SN 51.5 Iddhipadesa Sutta: In Part

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past generated spiritual power in part, all did so because they had developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever ascetics or brahmins in the future will generate spiritual power' part, all will do so because they will have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever ascetics or brahmins at present generate spiritual power in part, all do so because they have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy '" concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past ... in the future ... at present generate spiritual power in part, all do so because they have developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power. "

(Those who have developed psychic powers in part have developed the four bases of psychic power in part.)

SN 51.6 Samatta Sutta: Completely

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past generated spiritual power completely, all did so because they had developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever ascetics or brahmins in the future will generate spiritual power completely, all will do so because they will have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever ascetics or brahmins at present generate spiritual power completely, all do so because they have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind .. . concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past .,. in the future ... at present generate spiritual power completely, all do so because they have developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power."

(Those who have developed psychic powers in full have developed the four bases of psychic power in full.)
SN 51.7 Bhikkhu Sutta: Bhikkhus

​"Bhikkhus, whatever bhikkhus in the past, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life entered and dwelt in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, all did so because they had developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever bhikkhus in the future, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life will enter and dwell in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, all will do so because they will have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever bhikkhus at present, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enter and dwell in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, all do so because they have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power."

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy .,. concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"Bhikkhus, whatever bhikkhus in the past ... in the future ... at present ... enter and dwell in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, ... all do so because they have developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power."

(Whatever monks realize perfection do so by developing the four bases of psychic power.)

SN 51.8 Buddha Sutta: Buddha

"Bhikkhus, there are these four bases for spiritual power. What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These are the four bases for spiritual power. It is because he has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that the Tathagata is called the Arahant, the Perfectly Enlightened One."

(It is because of developing the four bases of psychic power that the Realized One is called a Buddha.)

SN 51.9 Ñāṇa Sutta: Knowledge

"'This is the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving' -thus bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light."

"'That basis for spiritual power possessing concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving is to be developed'-thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light. '''

"That basis for spiritual power possessing concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving has been developed' -thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light. '''

"This is the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy and volitional formations of striving'-thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light. '''

"That basis for spiritual power possessing concentration due to energy and volitional formations of striving is to be developed ... has been developed' -thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light. "

"This is the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to mind and volitional formations of striving'-thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light."

"That basis for spiritual power possessing concentration due to mind and volitional formations of striving is to be developed ... has been developed'-thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light."

"This is the basis for spiritual power possessing concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving'-thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light."

"That basis for spiritual power possessing concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving is to be developed ... has been developed' -thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light."

(On the night of his awakening, understanding and vision came to the Buddha regarding the four bases of psychic power.)

SN 51.10 Cetiya Sutta: The Shrine

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Vesali in the Great Wood in the Hall with the Peaked Roof. Then, in the morning, the Blessed One dressed and, taking bowl and robe, entered Vesali for alms. When he had walked for alms in Vesali and had returned from the alms round, after his meal he addressed the Venerable Ananda thus: "Take a sitting cloth, Ananda. Let us go to the Capala Shrine for the day's abiding."

"Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Ananda replied and, having taken a sitting cloth, he followed closely behind the Blessed One. The Blessed One then went to the Capala Shrine and sat down on a seat that was prepared. The Venerable Ananda, having paid homage to the Blessed One, also sat down to one side.

The Blessed One then said to the Venerable Ananda: "Delightful is Vesali, Ananda. Delightful is the Udena Shrine, delightful the Gotamaka Shrine, delightful the Sattamba Shrine, delightful the Bahuputta Shrine, delightful the Sarandada Shrine, delightful the Capala Shrine. Whoever, Ananda, has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power, made them a vehicle, made them a basis, stabilized them, exercised himself in them, and fully perfected them could, if he so wished, live on for the aeon or for the remainder of the aeon. The Tathagata, Ananda, has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power, made them a vehicle, made them a basis, stabilized them, exercised himself in them, and fully perfected them. If he so wished, the Tathagata could live on for the aeon or for the remainder of the aeon."

But though the Venerable Ananda was given such an obvious signal by the Blessed One, though he was given such an obvious hint, he was unable to penetrate it. He did not implore the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, let the Blessed One live on for the aeon! Let the Fortunate One live on for the aeon, for the welfare of the multitude, for the happiness of the multitude, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of devas and humans."

To such an extent was his mind obsessed b Mara. A second time ...  A third time the Blessed One addressed the Venerable Ananda: "Delightful is Vesali, Ananda Whoever, Ananda, has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power ... could, if he so wished, live on for the aeon or for the remainder of the aeon .. .. If he so wished, the Tathagata could live on for the aeon or for the remainder of the aeon."

But again, though the Venerable Ananda was given such an obvious signal by the Blessed One, though he was given such an obvious hint, he was unable to penetrate it.. .. To such an extent was his mind obsessed by Mara. Then the Blessed One addressed the Venerable Ananda: "You may go, Ananda, at your own convenience."

"Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Ananda replied, and he rose from his seat, paid homage to the Blessed One, and, keeping his right side towards him, sat down nearby at the foot of a tree. Then, not long after the Venerable Ananda had left, Mara the Evil One approached the Blessed One and said to him: "Venerable sir, let the Blessed One now attain final Nibbana! Let the Fortunate One new attain final Nibbana! Now is the time for the Blessed One's final Nibbana! This statement was made, venerable sir, by the Blessed One:  'I will not attain final Nibbana, Evil One, until I have bhikkhu disciples who are wise, disciplined, confident, secure from bondage, learned, upholders of the Dhamma, practicing in accordance with the Dhamma, practicing in the proper way, conducting themselves accordingly; who have learned their own teacher's doctrine and can explain it, teach it, proclaim it, establish it, disclose it, analyse it, and elucidate it; who can refute thoroughly with reasons the prevalent tenets of others and can teach the efficacious Dhamma.'"

" But at present, venerable sir, the Blessed One has bhikkhu disciples who are wise ... and who can teach the efficacious Dhamma. Venerable sir, let the Blessed One now attain final Nibbana! Let the Fortunate One now attain final Nibbana! Now is the time for the Blessed One's final Nibbana! "And this statement was made, venerable sir, by the Blessed One: 'I will not attain final Nibbana, Evil One, until I have bhikkhuni disciples ... until I have male lay disciples ... until I have female lay disciples who are wise ... and who can teach the efficacious Dhamma.' But at present, venerable sir, the Blessed One has female lay disciples who are wise, disciplined, confident, secure from bondage, learned, upholders of the Dhamma, practicing in accordance with the Dhamma,  practicing in the proper way, conducting themselves accordingly; who have learned their own teacher's doctrine and can explain it, teach it, proclaim it, establish it, disclose it, analyse it, and elucidate it; who can refute thoroughly with reasons the prevalent tenets of others and can teach the efficacious Dhamma. Venerable sir, let the Blessed One now attain final Nibbana! Let the Fortunate One now attain final Nibbana! Now is the time for the Blessed One's final Nibbana! "

And this statement was made, venerable sir, by the Blessed One: 'I will not attain final Nibbana, Evil One, until this holy life of mine has become successful and prosperous, extensive, popular, widespread, well proclaimed among devas and humans.' That holy life of the Blessed One, venerable sir, has become successful and prosperous, extensive, popular, widespread, well proclaimed among devas and humans. Venerable sir, let the Blessed One now attain final Nibbana! Let the Fortunate One now attain final Nibbana! Now is the time for the Blessed One's final Nibbana!"

When this was said, the Blessed One said to Mara the Evil One: "Be at ease, Evil One. It will not be long before the Tathagata's final Nibbana takes place. Three months from now the Tathagata will attain final Nibbana." Then the Blessed One, at the Capala Shrine, mindfully and with clear comprehension relinquished his vital formation. And when the Blessed One had relinquished his vital formation, a great earthquake occurred, frightening and terrifying, and peals of thunder shook the sky. Then, having understood the meaning of this, the Blessed One on that occasion uttered this inspired utterance:

"Comparing the incomparable and continued existence,
The sage relinquished the formation of existence.
Rejoicing within, concentrated, he broke
Continued self-existence like a coat of armour."

(The Buddha says he could live to the end of the eon due to developing the four bases of psychic power. But Ānanda doesn’t get the hint.)

SN 51.11 Pubba Sutta

Before At Savatthi. "Bhikkhus, before my enlightenment, while I was still a bodhisatta, not yet fully enlightened, it occurred to me'What now is the cause and condition for the development of the bases for spiritual power?' It occurred to me: 'Here, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving, thinking: "Thus my desire will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally."

And he dwells perceiving after and before: "As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day." Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity."

"He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy and volitional formations of striving, thinking: "Thus my energy will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally." And he dwells perceiving after and before: "As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day." Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"'He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to mind and volitional formations of striving, thinking: "Thus my mind will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally." And he dwells perceiving after and before: "As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day."

Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving, thinking: "Thus my investigation will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally."

And he dwells perceiving after and before: ​"As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day." Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "'When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one, he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one; he appears and vanishes; he goes unhindered through a wall, through a rampart, through a mountain as though through space; he dives in and out of the earth as though it were water; he walks on water without sinking as though it were earth;seated cross-legged, he travels in space like a bird; with his hand he touches and strokes the moon and sun so powerful and mighty; he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world. "'

When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu, with the divine ear element, which is purified and surpasses the human, hears both kinds of sounds, the divine and human, those that are far as well as near.

When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu understands the minds of other beings and persons, having encompassed them with his-own mind. He understands a mind with lust as a mind with lust; a mind without lust as a mind without lust; a mind with hatred as a mind with hatred; a mind without hatred as a mind without hatred; a mind with delusion as a mind with delusion; a mind without delusion as a mind without delusion; a contracted- mind as contracted and a distracted mind as distracted; an exalted mind as exalted and an unexalted mind as unexalted; a surpassable mind as surpassable and an unsurpassable mind as unsurpassable; a concentrated mind as concentrated and an unconcentrated mind as unconcentrated; a liberated mind as liberated and an unliberated mind as unliberated.

When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu recollects his manifold past abodes, that is, one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births, twenty births, thirty births, forty births, fifty births, a hundred births, a thousand births, a hundred thousand births, many aeons of world-contraction, many aeons of world-expansion, many aeons of worldcontraction and expansion an appearance, thus: "There such was I was my so food, named, such of my such experience of pleasure and pain, such my life span; passing away from there, I was reborn elsewhere, and there too I was so named, of such a clan, with such an appearance, such was my food, such my experience of pleasure and pain, such my life span; passing away from there, I was reborn here."

Thus he recollects his manifold past abodes with their modes and details. '''When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu, with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, sees beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, fortunate and unfortunate, and he understands how beings fare on in accordance with their kamma thus: "These beings who engaged in misconduct of body, speech, and mind, who reviled the noble ones, held wrong view, arid undertook actions based on wrong view, with the breakup of the body, after death, have been reborn in a state of misery, in a bad destination, in the nether world, in hell; but these beings who engaged in good conduct of body, speech, and mind, who did not revile the noble ones, who held right view, and undertook action based On right view, with the breakup of the body, after death, have been reborn in a good destination, in the heavenly world."

Thus with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, he sees beings passing away and being reborn, inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly,· fortunate and unfortunate, and he understands how beings fare on in accordance with their kamma. '''When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge.'"

(The Buddha recounts the process of inquiry that lead to him fully understanding the four bases of psychic power, as well as the powers that result from that.)

SN 51.12 Mahapphala Sutta: Of Great Fruit

"Bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, are of great fruit and benefit. And how is it, bhikkhus, that the four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, are of great fruit and benefit? "

"Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my desire will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally: And he dwells perceiving after and before: 'As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day. ' Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation .. . he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"When, bhikkhus, the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one, he becomes many .. . he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world . . .. "

"When, bhikkhus, the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge."

(The four bases of psychic power are very beneficial.)

SN 51.13 Chandasamādhi Sutta: Concentration due to Desire

"Bhikkhus, if a bhikkhu gains concentration, gains one-pointedness of mind based upon desire, this is called concentration due to desire. He generates desire for the non-arising of un-arisen evil unwholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. He generates desire for the abandoning of arisen evil unwholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. He generates desire for the arising of un-arisen wholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. He generates desire for the maintenance of arisen wholesome states, for their non-decay, increase, expansion, and fulfillment by development; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. These are called volitional formations of striving. Thus this desire and this concentration due to desire and these volitional formations of striving: this is called the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. "

"If, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu gains concentration, gains one-pointedness of mind based upon energy, this is called concentration due to energy. He generates desire for the non-arising of unarisen evil unwholesome states ... for the maintenance of arisen wholesome states, for their non-decay, increase, expansion, and fulfillment by development; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. These are called volitional formations of striving. Thus this energy and this concentration due to energy and these volitional formations of striving: this is called the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy and volitional formations of striving."

"If, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu gains concentration, gains one-pointedness of mind, based upon mind, this is called concentration due to mind. He generates desire for the non-arising of unarisen evil unwholesome states ... for the maintenance of arisen wholesome states, for their non-decay, increase, expansion, and fulfillment by development; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. These are called volitional formations of striving. Thus this mind and this concentration due to mind and these volitional formations of striving: this is called the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to mind and volitional formations of striving. "

"If, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu gains concentration, gains one-pointedness of mind based upon investigation, this is called concentration due to investigation. He generates desire for the non-arising of un-arisen evil unwholesome states ... for the maintenance of arisen wholesome states, for their non-decay, increase, expansion, and fulfillment by development; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. These are called volitional formations of striving. Thus this investigation and this concentration due to investigation and these volitional formations of striving: this is called the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving." ​

(An analysis of the four bases of psychic power showing how enthusiasm, energy, higher consciousness, and inquiry work in the context of advanced meditation.)

SN 51.14 Moggallāna Sutta: Moggallana
​​
Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Savatthi in the Eastern Park in the Mansion of Migara's Mother. Now on that occasion a number of bhikkhus who dwelt on the ground floor of the mansion were restless, puffed up, personally vain, rough-tongued, rambling in their talk, muddleminded, without clear comprehension, unconcentrated, scatterbrained, loose in their faculties.

Then the Blessed One addressed the Venerable Mahamoggallana thus: "Moggallana, your brothers in the holy life, dwelling on the ground floor of the Mansion of Migara's Mother, are restless .. loose in their faculties. Go, Moggallana, stir up a sense of urgency in those bhikkhus."
"Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Mahamoggallana replied.

Then he performed a feat of spiritual power such that he made the Mansion of Migara's Mother shake, quake, and tremble with his toe. Then those bhikkhus, shocked and terrified, stood to one side and said: "It is wonderful indeed, sir! It is amazing indeed, sir! There is no wind, and this Mansion of Migara's Mother has a deep base and is securely planted, immobile, unshaking; yet it shook, quaked, and trembled."

Then the Blessed One approached those bhikkhus and said to them: "Why, bhikkhus, are you standing to one side, shocked and terrified?"
"It is wonderful, venerable sir! It is amazing, venerable sir! There is no wind, and this Mansion of Migara's Mother has a deep base and is securely planted, immobile, unshaking; yet it shook, it quaked, it trembled."
"Bhikkhus, the bhikkhu Moggallana, desiring to stir up a sense of urgency in you, made the Mansion of Migara's Mother shake, quake, and tremble with his toe. What do you think, bhikkhus, by having developed and cultivated what things has the bhikkhu Moggallana become so powerful and mighty?"

"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One, guided by the Blessed One, take recourse in the Blessed One. It would be good if the Blessed One would clear up the meaning of this statement. Having heard it from him, the bhikkhus will remember it."

"Then listen, bhikkhus .... It is because he has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power that the bhikkhu Moggallana has become so powerful and mighty. What four? Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu Moggallana has developed the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due t desire and volitional formations of striving. He has developed the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my investigation will be neither too slack nor too tense and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally..... Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he has developed the mind imbued with luminosity."

"It is, bhikkhus, because he has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that the bhikkhu Moggallana has become so powerful and mighty. It is, bhikkhus, because the bhikkhu Moggallana has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that he wields the various kinds of spiritual power ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world ... ."

"It is, bhikkhus, because the bhikkhu MoggalUma has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that by the destruction of the taints, in this very life he enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge."

(When lazy monks were wasting time, the Buddha asks Moggallāna to stir them up. He shakes with his toe the large building in which they were staying, terrifying the monks. They sought refuge in the Buddha, and he taught them the four bases of psychic power.)

SN 51.15 Uṇṇābhabrāhmaṇa Sutta The Brahmin Unnabha

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Venerable Ananda was dwelling at Kosambi in Ghosita's Park. Then the brahmin Unnabha approached the Venerable' .Ananda and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and said to the Venerable .Ananda: "For what purpose, Master Ananda, is the holy life lived under the ascetic Gotama?"

"It is for the sake of abandoning desire, brahmin, that the holy life is lived under the Blessed One."
"But, Master kanda, is there a path, is there a way for the abandoning of this desire?"
"There is a path, brahmin, there is a way for the abandoning of this desire." 

​"But, Master Ananda, what is the path, what is the way for the abandoning of this desire?"
"Here, brahmin, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. This, brahmin, is the path, this is the way for the abandoning of this desire."

"Such being the case, Master Ananda, the situation is interminable, not terminable. It is impossible that one can abandon desire by means of desire itself."
"Well then, brahmin, I will question you about this matter. Answer as you see fit. What do you think, brahmin, did you earlier have the desire, 'I will go to the park,' and after you went to the park, did the corresponding desire subside?"
"Yes, sir."

"Did you earlier arouse energy, thinking, 'I will go to the park,' and after you went to the park, did the corresponding energy subside?"
"Yes, sir."
"Did you earlier make up your mind, 'I will go to the park,' and after you went to the park, did the corresponding resolution subside?"
"Yes, sir."
"Did you earlier make an investigation, 'Shall I go to the park?' and after you went to the park, did the corresponding investigation subside?"
"Yes, sir."

"It is exactly the same, brahmin, with a bhikkhu who is an arahant, one whose taints are destroyed, who has lived the holy life, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, reached his own goal, utterly destroyed the fetters of existence, and is completely liberated through final knowledge. He earlier had the desire for the attainment of arahantship, and when he attained arahantship, the corresponding desire subsided. He earlier had aroused energy for the attainment of arahantship, and when he attained arahantship, the corresponding energy subsided. He earlier had made up his mind to attain arahantship, and when he attained arahantship, the corresponding resolution subsided. He earlier made an investigation for the attainment of arahantship and when he attained arahantship, the corresponding investigation subsided."

"What do you think, brahmin, such being the case, is the situation terminable or interminable?"
"Surely, Master .Ananda, such being the case, the situation is terminable, not interminable.Magnificent, Master Ananda! ... From today let Master .Ananda remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life."

(Venerable Ānanda explains to the brahmin Uṇṇābha that the spiritual path is lived to give up desire through the the four bases of psychic power. But Uṇṇābha says this is a contradiction, as desire is itself one of the four bases. Ānanda resolves the contradiction with the simile of a man walking to a park.)

SN 51.16 Paṭhamasamaṇabrāhmaṇa Sutta: Ascetics and Brahmins (1)

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past were of great spiritual power and might, all were so because they had developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever ascetics or brahmins in the future will be of great spiritual power and might, all will be so because they will have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. Whatever ascetics or brahmins at present are of great spiritual power and might, all are so because they have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy... concentration due to mind ...concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past ... in the future ... at present are of great spiritual power and might, all are so because they have developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power." ​

(Whatever ascetics are of great spiritual power have developed the four bases of psychic power.)
​SN 51.17 Dutiyasamaṇabrāhmaṇa Sutta: Ascetics and Brahmins (2)

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past wielded the various kinds of spiritual power, such that: having been one, they became many ... they exercised mastery with the body as far as the brahma world-all did so because they had developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. "

"Whatever ascetics or brahmins in the future will wield the various kinds of spiritual power, such that: having been one, they will become many .... they will exercise mastery with the body as far as the brahma world-all will do so because they will have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. "

"Whatever ascetics or brahmins at present wield the various kinds of spiritual power, such that: having been one, they become many ... they exercise mastery with the body as far as the brahma world-all do so because they have developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins in the past ... in the future ... at present wield the various kinds of spiritual power ... all do so because they have developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power."

(Whatever ascetics are of great spiritual power have developed the four bases of psychic power.)

SN 51.18 Bhikkhu Sutta: A Bhikkhu

"Bhikkhus, it is because he has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power that a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus,a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and Volitional formations of striving. "

"It is, bhikkhus, because he has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge." 

(It is because of developing the four bases of psychic power that a mendicant ends the defilements.)

SN 51.19 Iddhādidesanā Sutta: A Teaching

"Bhikkhus, I will teach you spiritual power, the basis for spirituaI power, the development of the bases for spiritual power, and the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is spiritual power? Here, bhikkhus , a bhikkhu wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one, he becomes many ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world. This is called spiritual power."

"And what, bhikkhus, is the basis for spiritual power? It is the path and practice that leads to gaining spiritual power, to obtaining spiritual power. This is called the basis for spiritual power. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is the development of the bases for spiritual power? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. This is called the development of the bases for spiritual power. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power? It is this Noble Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. This is called the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power."

(The Buddha distinguishes between psychic powers, the basis for psychic power, and the development of the bases for psychic power.)

SN 51.20 Vibhaṅga Sutta: Analysis

"Bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power, when developed and cultivated, are of great fruit and benefit. And how, bhikkhus, are the four bases for spiritual power developed and cultivated so that they are of great fruit and benefit? "

"Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my desire will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally.' And he dwells perceiving after and before: 'As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day.' Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy .. , concentration due to mind ...concentration due to investigation... he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

(i. Analysis of desire as a basis)

And what, bhikkhus, is desire that is too slack? It is desire that is accompanied by lassitude, associated with lassitude. This is called desire that is too slack. And what, bhikkhus, is desire that is too tense? It is desire that is accompanied by restlessness, associated with restlessness. This is called desire that is too tense. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is desire that is constricted internally? It is desire that is accompanied by sloth and torpor, associated with sloth and torpor. This is called desire that is constricted internally. And what, bhikkhus, is desire that is disturbed externally? It is desire that is repeatedly distracted externally, repeatedly disturbed, on account of the five cords of sensual pleasure. This is called desire that is distracted externally."

"And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell perceiving after and before: 'As before, so after; as after, so before'?  Here, bhikkhus, the perception of after and before is well grasped by a bhikkhu, well attended to, well considered, well penetrated by wisdom. It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu dwells perceiving after and before: 'As before, so after; as after, so before.'"

"And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell 'as below, so above; as above, so below'? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu reviews this very body upwards from the sales of the feet, downwards from the tips of the hairs, enclosed in skin, as full of many kinds of impurities: 'There are in this body head-hairs, body-hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, sinews, bones, bone-marrow, kidneys, heart, liver, pleura, spleen, lungs, intestines, mesentery, contents of the stomach, excrement, bile, phlegm, pus, blood, sweat, fat, tears, grease, saliva, snot, fluid of the joints, urine.' It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu dwells 'as below, so above; as above, so below.' "

"And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu dwell 'as by day, So at night; as at night, so by day'? Here, bhikkhus, at night a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving by way of the same qualities, the same features, the same aspects, as he develops that basis for spiritual power by day. Or else by day he develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving by way of the same qualities, the same features, the same aspects, as he develops that basis for spiritual power at night. It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu dwells 'as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day.' "And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, develop the mind imbued with luminosity? Here, bhikkhus, the perception of light is well grasped by a bhikkhu; the perception of day is well resolved upon. It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

(ii. Analysis of energy as a basis)

"And what, bhikkhus, is energy that it too slack? It is energy that is accompanied by lassitude, associated with lassitude. This is called energy that is too slack. And what, bhikkhus, is energy that is too tense? It is energy that is accompanied by restlessness, associated with restlessness. This is called energy that is too tense. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is energy that is constricted internally? It is energy that is accompanied by sloth and torpor, associated with sloth and torpor. This is called energy that is constricted internally. And what, bhikkhus, is energy that is distracted externally? It is energy that is repeatedly distracted externally, repeatedly disturbed, on account of the five cords of sensual pleasure. This is called energy that is distracted externally . . . (all as above) . .. "

"It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

(iii. Analysis of mind as a basis)

"And what, bhikkhus, is mind that is too slack? It is mind that is accompanied by lassitude, associated with lassitude. This is called mind that is too slack. And what, bhikkhus, is mind that is too tense? It is mind that is accompanied by restlessness, associated with restlessness. This is called mind that is too tense. II And what, bhikkhus, is mind that is constricted internally? It is mind that is accompanied by sloth and torpor, associated with sloth and torpor. This is called mind that is constricted internally."

"And what, bhikkhus, is mind that is distracted externally? It is mind that is repeatedly distracted externally, repeatedly disturbed, on account of the five cords of sensual pleasure. This is called mind that is distracted externally . .. (all as above) ... "

"It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, develops the mind imbued with luminosity."

(iv. Analysis of investigation as a basis)

"And what, bhikkhus, is investigation that is too slack? It is investigation that is accompanied by lassitude, associated with lassitude. This is called investigation that is too slack. And what, bhikkhus, is investigation that is too tense? It is investigation that is accompanied by restlessness, associated with restlessness. This is called investigation that is too tense. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is investigation that is constricted internally? It is investigation that is accompanied by sloth and torpor, associated with sloth and torpor. This is called investigation that is constricted internally. And what, bhikkhus, is investigation that is distracted externally? It is investigation that is repeatedly distracted externally, repeatedly disturbed, on account of the five cords of sensual pleasure. This is called investigation that is distracted externally . . . (all as above) ... "

"It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu, with a mind that is Open and unenveloped, develops the mind imbued with luminosity. When, bhikkhus, the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, they are of great fruit and benefit. When, bhikkhus, the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world. ... "

"When, bhikkhus, the four bases for spiritual power have be developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge."

(The Buddha teaches the bases for psychic power and analyzes them in detail.)
​
SN 51. 21 Magga Sutta: The Path

At Savatthi. "Bhikkhus, before my enlightenment, while I was still a bodhisatta, not yet fully enlightened, the thought occurred to me: 'What is the path and practice for the development of the bases for spiritual power?' It occurred to me: 'Here, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving . .. (as in §11 in full) . .. that possesses concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving .... Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he develops the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"'When the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one, he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world ... . "

"When, bhikkhus, the four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated in this way, a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge.'"

(The six direct knowledges should be elaborated.) 

(Before his awakening, the Buddha reflected on the path for developing the bases of psychic power.)
SN 51.22 Ayoguḷa Sutta: The Iron Ball

At Savatthi. Then the Venerable Ananda approached the Blessed ​One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him: "Venerable sir, does the Blessed One recall ever having gone to the brahma world by spiritual power with a mind-made body?"

"I recall, Ananda, having gone to the brahma world by spiritual power with a mind-made body."
"But, venerable sir, does the Blessed One recall ever having gone to the brahma world by spiritual power with this body composed of the four great elements?"
"I recall, Ananda, having gone to the brahma world by spiritual power with this body composed of the four great elements. "

"That the Blessed One is able to go to the brahma world by spiritual power with a mind-made body, and that he recalls having gone to the brahma world by spiritual power with this body composed of the four great elements: that is wonderful and amazing, venerable sir, on the part of the Blessed One."

"The Tathagatas, Ananda, are wonderful and possess wonderful qualities; the Tathagatas are amazing and possess amazing qualities. "

"When, Ananda, the Tathagata immerses the body in the mind and the mind in the body, and when he dwells having entered upon a blissful perception and a buoyant perception in regard to the body, on that occasion the body of the Tathagata becomes more buoyant, malleable, wieldy, and luminous. "

"Just as an iron ball, Ananda, heated all day, becomes more buoyant, malleable, wieldy, and luminous, so too, when the Tathagata immerses the body in the mind and the mind in the body, and when he dwells having entered upon a blissful perception and a buoyant perception in regard to the body, on that occasion the body of the Tathagata becomes more buoyant, malleable, wieldy, and luminous. "

"When, Ananda, the Tathagata immerses the body in the mind and the mind in the body, and when he dwells having entered upon a blissful perception and a buoyant perception in regard to the body, on that occasion the body of the Tathagata rises up without difficulty from the earth into the air. He wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one, he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one; ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world."

"Just as, Ananda, a tuft of cotton wool or kapok, being light, sustained by the wind, Book rises up without difficulty --­ from the earth into the air, so too, when the Tathagata immerses the body in mind and the mind in the body, and when he dwells having entered upon a blissful perception and a buoyant perception in regard to the body, on that occasion the body of the Tathagata rises up without difficulty from the earth into the air. He wields the various kinds of spiritual power: having been one, he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one; ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world."

(Ānanda asks the Buddha whether he travels to the Brahmā realm in a mind-made body or in a physical body.)

SN 51.23 Bhikkhu Sutta: A Bhikkhu

"Bhikkhus, there are these four bases for spiritual power. What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind .. , concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These are the four bases for spiritual power. "

"It is, bhikkhus, because he has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that a bhikkhu, by the destruction of the taints, in this very life enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge."

(It is because of developing the four bases of psychic power that a monk ends the defilements.)

SN 51.24 Suddhika Sutta: Simple Version

"Bhikkhus, there are these four bases for spiritual power. What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These are the four bases for spiritual power."

(The four bases for psychic power are desire, energy, higher mind, and inquiry.)

SN 51.25 Paṭhamaphala Sutta: Fruits (1)

"Bhikkhus, there are these four bases for spiritual power. What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These are the four bases for spiritual power."

"When, bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated, one of two fruits may be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is a residue of clinging, the state of non-returning." 

(The four bases for psychic power lead to perfection or once-return.)
​SN 51.26 Dutiyaphala Sutta  Fruits (2)

"Bhikkhus, there are these four bases for spiritual power. What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due 'to investigation and volitional formations of striving. These are the four bases for spiritual power."

"When, bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated, seven fruits and benefits may be expected. What are the seven fruits and benefits? "

"One attains final knowledge early in this very life. If one does not attain final knowledge early in this very life, then one attains final knowledge at the time of death. If one does not attain final knowledge early in this very life, or at the time of death, then with the utter destruction of the five lower fetters one becomes an attainer of Nibbana in the interval ... an attainer of Nibbana upon landing ... an attainer of Nibbana without exertion ... an attainer of Nibbana with exertion ... one bound upstream, heading towards the Akanittha realm."

"When, bhikkhus, these four bases for spiritual power have been developed and cultivated, these seven fruits and benefits may be expected."

(The four bases for psychic power lead to seven benefits; perfection or one of the lesser attainments.)

SN 51.27 Paṭhamaānanda Sutta: Ananda (1)
​
At Savatthi. Then the Venerable Ananda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him: "Venerable sir, what now is spiritual power? What is the basis for spiritual power? What is the development of the bases for spiritual power? What is the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power?"
(The Buddha's answers are exactly the same as in §19.)

(The Buddha explains to Ānanda the difference between psychic powers, the basis for psychic power, and the development of the bases for psychic power.)

SN 51.28 Dutiyaānanda Sutta: Ananda (2)

The Blessed One then said to the Venerable Ananda: "Ananda what now is spiritual power? What is the basis for spiritual power? What is the development of the bases for spiritual power? What is the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power?" (The Buddha answers his own questions exactly as in §19.)

(The Buddha explains to Ānanda the difference between psychic powers, the basis for psychic power, and the development of the bases for psychic power.)

SN 51.29 Paṭhamabhikkhu Sutta: A Number of Bhikkhus (1)

Then a number of bhikkhus approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him: "Venerable sir, what now is spiritual power? What is the basis for spiritual power? What is the development of the bases for spiritual power? What is the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power?"
(The Buddha's answers are exactly the same as in §19.)

(The Buddha explains to several monks the difference between psychic powers, the basis for psychic power, and the development of the bases for psychic power.)

SN 51.30 Dutiyabhikkhu Sutta: A Number of Bhikkhus (2)
​
Then a number of bhikkhus approached the Blessed One .... The Blessed One then said to them: "Bhikkhus, what now is spiritual power? What is the basis for spiritual power? What is the development of the bases for spiritual power? What is the way leading to the development of the bases for spiritual power?"
​(The Buddha answers his own questions exactly as in §19.) ​

(The Buddha explains to several monks the difference between psychic powers, the basis for psychic power, and the development of the bases for psychic power.)
SN 51.31 Moggallāna Sutta: Moggallana

There the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus thus: "What do you think, bhikkhus, by having developed and cultivated what things has the bhikkhu Moggallana become so powerful and mighty?"
"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One .... " 

​"It is because he has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power that the bhikkhu Moggallana has become so powerful and mighty. What four? Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu Moggallana has developed the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my desire will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally: And he has dwelt perceiving after and before: , As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day: Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he has developed the mind imbued with luminosity. He has developed the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my investigation will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally.' ... Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he has developed the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"It is, bhikkhus, because he has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that the bhikkhu Moggallana has become so powerful and mighty. "

"It is, bhikkhus, because the bhikkhu Moggallana has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that he wields the various kinds of spiritual power, such that: having been one, he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one ... he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world ...."

"It is, bhikkhus, because the bhikkhu Moggallana has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that by the destruction of the taints, in this very life he enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge."

(Moggallāna is so very powerful due to developing the four bases for psychic power.)
​
SN 51.32 Tathāgata Sutta: The Tathagata

There the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus thus: "What do you think, bhikkhus, by having developed and cultivated what things has the Tathagata become so powerful and mighty?"
"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One .... " 
"It is because he has developed and cultivated the four bases for spiritual power that the Tathagata has become so powerful and mighty. What four? Here, bhikkhus, the Tathagata has developed the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my desire will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally: And he has dwelt perceiving after and before: 'As before, so after; as after, so before; as below, so above; as above, so below; as by day, so at night; as at night, so by day.' Thus, with a mind that is Open and unenveloped, he has developed the mind imbued with luminosity. He has developed the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving, thinking: 'Thus my investigation will be neither too slack nor too tense; and it will be neither constricted internally nor distracted externally.' ... Thus, with a mind that is open and unenveloped, he has developed the mind imbued with luminosity. "

"It is, bhikkhus, because he has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that the Tathagata has become so powerful and mighty. "

"It is, bhikkhus, because the Tathagata has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power . that he wields the various kinds of spiritual power, such that: having been one, he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one ...he exercises mastery with the body as far as the brahma world .... "

"It is, bhikkhus, because the Tathagata has developed and cultivated these four bases for spiritual power that by the destruction of the taints, in this very life he enters and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind, liberation by wisdom, realizing it for himself with direct knowledge."

(The Realized One is so very powerful due to developing the four bases for psychic power.)

SN 51.33-44 Gaṅgāpeyyāla Vagga: The River Ganges-Eastward, Etc.

"Bhikkhus, just as the river Ganges slants, slopes, and inclines towards the east, so too a bhikkhu who develops and cultivates the four bases for spiritual power slants, slopes, and inclines towards Nibbana."

​"And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu develop and cultivate the four bases for spiritual power so that he slants, slopes, and inclines towards Nibbana? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy ... concentration due to mind .. . concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "

"It is in this way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu develops and cultivates the four bases for spiritual power so that he slants, slopes, and inclines towards Nibbana."

(The remaining suttas of this vagga are to be similarly elaborated parallel to 45:92-102.)
Six about slanting to the east And six about slanting to the ocean.
These two sixes make up twelve: Thus the subchapter is recited.

SN 51.45-54 Appamāda Vagga: The Tathagata, Etc.

(To be elaborated by way of the bases for spiritual power parallel to 45:139-48.)
Tathagata, footprint, roof peak, Roots, heartwood, jasmine, Monarch,
the moon and sun, Together with the cloth as tenth.

SN 51.55 -66 Balakaraṇīya Vagga: Strenuous, Etc.
​
(To be elaborated parallel to 45: 149-60.)
Strenuous, seeds, and nagas, The tree, the pot, the spike, 
The sky, and two on clouds, The ship, guest house, and river.  
SN 51.​67-76 Esanā Vagga: Searches, Etc.

(To be elaborated parallel to 45:161-70.)
Searches, discriminations, taints, Kinds of existence, threefold suffering,
Barrenness, stains, and troubles, Feelings, craving, and thirst.

SN 51.77-85 Ogha Vagga: Floods, Etc.

(To be elaborated parallel to 45:171-79.)

SN 51.86 Higher Fetters

"Bhikkhus, there are these five higher fetters. What five? Lust for form, lust for the formless, conceit, restlessness, ignorance. These are the five higher fetters. The four bases for spiritual power are to be developed for direct knowledge of these five higher fetters, for the full understanding of them, for their utter destruction, for their abandoning. "

"What four? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to desire and volitional formations of striving. He develops the basis for spiritual power that possesses concentration due to energy .. , concentration due to mind ... concentration due to investigation and volitional formations of striving. "These four bases for spiritual power are to be developed for direct knowledge of these five higher fetters, for the full understanding of them, for their utter destruction, for their abandoning." 

​Floods, bonds, kinds of clinging, Knots, and underlying tendencies,
Cords of sensual pleasure, hindrances, Aggregates, fetters lower and higher. 
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​References 
1. www.accesstoinsight.org
2. https://suttacentral.net/
3. The connected discourses of the Buddha (Bhikkhu Bodhi)