Any monk or nun who develops and cultivates these five qualities can expect one of two results: enlightenment in this very life, or if there’s residue left behind, non-return.”

Numbered Discourses 5.68 7. Perceptions Bases of Psychic Power (2nd)

“Mendicants, before my awakening—when I was still not awake but intent on awakening—I developed and cultivated five things. What five?

The basis of psychic power that has immersion due to enthusiasm, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to energy, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to mental development, and active effort … the basis of psychic power that has immersion due to inquiry, and active effort. And the fifth is sheer vigor.

When I had developed and cultivated these five things, with vigor as fifth, I extended the mind to realize by insight each and every thing that can be realized by insight; and I was capable of realizing those things, since each and every one was within range.

If I wished: ‘May I multiply myself and become one again … controlling the body as far as the realm of divinity.’ I was capable of realizing it, since each and every one is within range.

If I wished: … ‘May I realize the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom, and live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.’ I was capable of realizing it, since each and every one is within range.”

Numbered Discourses 5.69 7. Perceptions Disillusionment

“Mendicants, these five things, when developed and cultivated, lead solely to disillusionment, dispassion, cessation, peace, insight, awakening, and extinguishment.

What five? A mendicant meditates observing the ugliness of the body, perceives the repulsiveness of food, perceives dissatisfaction with the whole world, observes the impermanence of all conditions, and has well established the perception of their own death.