What are supernatural powers, and when can they manifest?

The so-called supernatural powers mean that the manas can rely on the tathāgatagarbha to discern all dharmas. However, when the manas discerns dharmas, the mind consciousness does not know it—this is the situation without supernatural powers. If the mind consciousness is in very strong meditative concentration (samādhi), the consciousness-mind is extremely focused, and its power of discernment is enhanced, it can also discern many of the dharmas that the manas knows. As for how many dharmas the mind consciousness can know, it depends on the strength of meditative concentration and the level of the state of wisdom—that is, on how powerful the meditative absorption (samādhi) is.

Why are supernatural powers related to meditative concentration and the manas? The physical body has a very great influence and control over the six consciousnesses. When meditative concentration arises, the influence and control of the physical body over the six consciousnesses will be reduced. When the mind consciousness breaks free from the control of the physical body and is no longer limited by it, it can discern the many dharmas discerned by the manas, as well as all dharmas. Therefore, the first step for supernatural powers to appear is to subdue the physical body. By passing through the region of the aggregate of form (rūpa), the consciousness-mind can be free from the control of the physical body; only when the mind departs from its form can supernatural powers appear. The aggregate of form is a kind of obstructing function of the physical body. The five aggregates (pañcaskandha) are a kind of obstructing function. Once one breaks through them, there is no more obstruction, and supernatural powers manifest. "To have a body is a great calamity!"

The aggregate of form also has an obstructing effect on the manas. If the manas regards the physical body as real and firmly grasps onto the physical body, then there will be no meditative concentration, and there will be no supernatural powers either. Only when the manas breaks free from its bondage can the mind consciousness break free from its bondage, and only then are there supernatural powers. When the power of meditative concentration is extremely strong and the wisdom of the manas is also extremely strong, the manas can completely take the place of the six consciousnesses.