What Are Spiritual Powers? When Can They Manifest?

The so-called supernatural powers mean that the manas can rely on the Tathāgatagarbha to discern all dharmas. However, the dharmas discerned by the manas are unknown to the consciousness; this is the state without supernatural powers. If the consciousness is in a profound state of samadhi, where the conscious mind becomes intensely concentrated and its discerning power is enhanced, it can also discern many dharmas known by the manas. As for how many dharmas the consciousness can know, it depends on the strength of samadhi and the level of wisdom attained—that is, the power of samadhi.

Why are supernatural powers related to samadhi and the manas? The physical body exerts a tremendous influence and control over the six consciousnesses. When samadhi arises, the physical body's influence and control over the six consciousnesses diminish. The consciousness breaks free from the control of the physical body, no longer confined by it, and thus can discern many dharmas, even all dharmas, that are discerned by the manas. Therefore, the first step toward manifesting supernatural powers is to subdue the physical body. By transcending the rupa-skandha (form aggregate), the conscious mind can become free from the control of the physical body. When the mind detaches from its form, supernatural powers can manifest. The rupa-skandha represents an obscuring function of the physical body. The five aggregates collectively constitute an obscuring function. Once this obstruction is overcome, the obscuration vanishes, and supernatural powers manifest. Having this body is indeed a great affliction!

The rupa-skandha also obscures the manas. If the manas regards the physical body as real and clings firmly to it, then neither samadhi nor supernatural powers can arise. Only when the manas is freed from bondage can the consciousness be liberated, and supernatural powers manifest. When the power of samadhi is exceedingly strong and the wisdom of the manas is equally potent, the manas can entirely take over the functions of the six consciousnesses.