Supernatural Powers in Buddhist Practice: Mastering Abhiññā in Pa-Auk Buddhist Meditation Technique in Contemporary Myanmar

This research shows the practical importance of abhiññā (supernatural powers) in the Southeast Buddhist tradition. As a contemporary example, I focus on a Burmese Buddhist meditation technique formulated by the Burmese monk Pa-Auk Sayadaw (1934-). Supernatural powers, though acknowledged as one of the Buddha’s and Buddhist saints’ venerated qualities, have been marginalized as an unorthodox practice unessential for Buddhist liberation. Similarly, in Myanmar, the exhibition of supernatural powers has been suppressed as animistic magic by the government during the nation-rebuilding time. The devaluation of the practice is still evident after different Buddhist meditation techniques of Burmese origin became popular worldwide. The Pa-Auk meditation technique teaches supernatural powers to all practitioners as elective but requires it for prospective meditation teachers. I examine how teachers and practitioners understand the values for the true path through my observations and interviews with them at different branches of the Pa-Auk meditation centers since 2018.