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The Reality of Supernatural Powers
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Life is filled with suffering and impermanence. When faced with difficulties or problems that cannot be resolved, many turn to the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, or deities for blessings. But often, under these circumstances, their greatest wish is to possess supernatural powers.
Supernatural powers are the incredible powers attained through the cultivation of concentration during meditation. These powers are extraordinary. They are completely carefree and unobstructed; therefore, the common man would like to possess these superhuman powers to realize every dream in life that would otherwise be impossible. However, could all wishes be fulfilled with supernatural powers? In reality, they cannot, for supernatural powers cannot override karma, because karma is the strongest power of all in this world. Also, supernatural powers cannot work against the principle of cause and effect. This is well illustrated by the Buddha's disciple, Maudgalyayana, who was foremost in his supernatural powers; but even with his powers he could not liberate his mother, who was suffering in hell.
Supernatural powers are not almighty, and possessing such powers actually can bring suffering. If you possess the power to know others' minds and discover the evil designs of your best friend, do you think you will have peace of mind? If you have celestial hearing and can hear one's close associate speaking badly of you, do you think you will be tolerant of one another? If you have the power to know about past and future lives and learn that you have only one more year left to live, do you think your life will be more at ease?
Furthermore, so-called supernatural powers are not the property of only Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, and ghosts, and such powers are not necessarily strange magical practices. Supernatural powers manifest themselves in many forms everywhere in the universe. Where dark clouds gather thickly, it will rain; or when air currents converge, there will be windstorms. The changing of seasons, the continuance of day and night, and all changes of natural phenomena can be considered forms of supernatural power.
Supernatural powers can also be witnessed in many ways in everyday life: water relieves thirst, food relieves hunger, those who swim well float in the water, and those who ride a bike go wherever they please. In addition, there are telephones, airplanes, and the Internet. They are comparable to celestial hearing, the power to transcend physical limitations, and celestial vision. Organ transplants and the cloning of animals are developments that were unheard of previously and are as sensational as any supernatural power.
Therefore, supernatural powers are the accumulation of human experience, the actualization of wisdom, and the highest utilization of capabilities. For with supernatural powers, there is the pursuit of form and existence, and with existence there are limits, quantity, and end; it is only with the empty nature of the truth that there are limitless uses. Supernatural powers are inferior to morals, and they cannot surpass emptiness. Possessing supernatural powers will not bring one happiness. Morals and ethics, on the other hand, are the real treasures that are inexhaustible. To be able to realize and understand the truth and its empty nature is the ultimate way to liberation.Some People believe dharma to be profound, Something has to incomprehensible.
This is not the case at all. The Dharma is something we all can understand and use.
and spiritual aspects of life
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