The “abhijñā” Concept of Buddhism and Its Historical Evolution

Abstract

The phenomenon of “abhijñā” (supernatural power) constitutes an integral part of the Buddhist cultural system. For the nature and status of the phenomenon of “abhijñā”, Buddhism has made the judgment by the way of pratyātmādhigama (internal self-proving), that they belong to the accompanying phenomenon in the process of Buddhist practice, which is the second thing compared with the perfect wisdom to ultimate nirvana. In the history of the development of Buddhism, the practice of “abhijñā” adapt to the cultural traditions of different societies and become a dynamic intrinsic factor in the Buddhist cultural context, but their influence will be limited by the specific cultural environment. As a special manifestation of religious experience, the practice of “abhijñā” in Buddhism leads practitioners to a more transcendent life goal, that is, human sublimation and enlightenment. Buddhism’s understanding of the phenomenon of “abhijñā” reflects the high wisdom of human self-cognition, and it still has thought-provoking significance and indelible cognitive value in the contemporary era.