Abhijñā

Abhijñā, in Buddhism, is direct knowledge obtained through virtuous living and meditation.

The Buddha demonstrating control over the fire and water elements. Gandhara, 3rd century CE

Quotes

• A noble disciple ... possesses confirmed confidence in the Dhamma thus: 'The Dhamma is well expounded by the Blessed One, directly visible, immediate, inviting one to come and see, applicable, to be personally experienced by the wise.'
  • Saṃyutta Nikāya, Book 2, Sutta 12, Verse 41, as translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications: 2000), p. 579

• So long, Bhikkhus, as beings have not directly known as they really are the gratification as gratification, the danger as danger, and the escape as escape in the case of these four elements, they have not escaped from this world with its devas, Māra, and Brahmā, from this generation with its ascetics and Brahmins, its devas and humans; they have not become detached from it, released from it, nor do they dwell with a mind rid of barriers. But when beings have directly known all this as it really is, then they have escaped from this world with its devas and humans ... they have become detached from it, released from it, and they dwell with a mind rid of barriers.
  • Saṃyutta Nikāya, Book 2, Sutta 14, Verse 33, as translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications: 2000), p. 647

• Do not go by revelation;
  Do not go by tradition;
  Do not go by hearsay;
  Do not go on the authority of sacred texts;
  Do not go on the grounds of pure logic;
  Do not go by a view that seems rational;
  Do not go by reflecting on mere appearances;
  Do not go along with a considered view because you agree with it;
  Do not go along on the grounds that the person is competent;
  Do not go along because "the recluse is our teacher."

  Kalamas, when you yourselves know: These things are unwholesome, these things are blameworthy; these things are censured by the wise; and when undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and ill, abandon them...

  Kalamas, when you know for yourselves: These things are wholesome; these things are not blameworthy; these things are praised by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness, having undertaken them, abide in them.

  • Gautama Buddha, Kalama Sutta - Angutarra Nikaya 3.65