(Abhijñā) A Sanskrit word meaning “superknowledge” or “paranormal power” sometimes referred to as a siddhi. It is used in reference to five powers said to be attained by the Buddha and Buddhist ascetics as a result of their meditative discipline, usually listed as

(1) being able to assume any form at will (anyarupasakti),

(2) seeing at a distance or “divine eye” (daivyacaksus),

(3) hearing at a distance or “divine ear” (daivyasrotra),

(4) telepathy or “knowing the mind of another” (paracittajñana), and

(5) remembrance of previous lives (purvanirvasanusmrti).

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