Dear Nina, Piya and friends,

thanks, Nina. I understand khippaabhi~n~naa better now. I agree that
the last of the six abhiññaa is the most important. As for
mahaabhiññaa, it may actually refer to just the sixth abhiññaa. But
then, we can't confirm until we look at other parts of the Nikayas.

metta,
Yong Peng.

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, Nina van Gorkom wrote:

> I have questions for the following two, both of which relate to
abhiññaa.
> abhiññaa: the word can mean transcendental knowledge or supernormal
power.

N: Five are mundane, they are supranatural powers, and the sixth is
the attainment of arahatship.

> Y. P.: Having consulted a couple of references, I agree that for
Bhaddakaccana, mahaabiññappatta = one who attained great supernormal
powers, but now I can't see how different she is from Uppalavanna,
who is foremost in supernatural powers too.
> For Bhadda, I think khippaabhi~n~naa = quick knowing = spontaneous
understanding. This is based on the story of Bhadda Kundalakesa, and
also Bahiya Daruciriya the thera. What do you think?

When khippa is added, I am inclined to think that they quickly
attained arahatship. The sixth power is the most important. As to the
distinction mahaabhiññaa, I do not know whether this pertains to all
six.