Unattainability Of Abhiññā (Super Cognition) That Perceives Smell, Taste And Touch

Abstract

In Sāmaññaphala sutta of Digha Nikāya, six kinds of Abhiññās are described. Two of them are called Dibbasota (clairaudience) and Dibbacakku (clairvoyance). The first of these two is the paranormal power of hearing sounds, both human and divine, and whether they are near or far. The other is the ability of seeing phenomena which are beyond the range of the physical eye. Although sounds and forms can be perceived by means of these two abhiññās, there are no references to be found in suttas about any abhiññā to perceive smell, taste and touch. Hence, this research study will reveal the causal base for the unattainability of this kind of super cognitions to perceive smell, taste and touch. In this study, the two divisions; namely, Sampattigāhaka and Asampattigāhaka on five sense organs are concluded as the causal base for the unattainability of super cognitions to perceive smell, taste and touch. This research study is based on primary and secondary library resources.