Four kinds of self-confidence, ten powers

• Four kinds of self-confidence
• Fully awakened regarding all phenomena
• Destroyed pollutants
• Correctly identifies obstructions on the path
• Teaches the dharma that leads to liberation and full elimination of dukkha
• First two related to one’s own welfare and the last two
• Ten powers
• Knows what actions bring happiness and what actions bring suffering
• Accurately knows the intricacies of karma and its results
• Knows the ways leading to various types of rebirths sentient beings take

11 Four Kinds of Self Confidence, Ten Powers (download)

Contemplation points

1. In today’s culture, we can be very sensitive about the smallest mental or physical challenge. What are instances in which you could build resilience in your life? How would this help you to both live a happier life and facilitate your Dharma practice?
2. Spend some time with each of the four fearlessnesses of the Buddha – that the Buddha is fully awakened, that he has destroyed all the pollutants, that the obstructions are in fact obstructions for all beings who engage in them, and that he can’t lead others to liberation. Which fulfill the purposes of the Buddha, which fulfill the purposes of others, and why? What are the causes for each of these qualities and how can you go about beginning to cultivate those causes in your own life even now?
3. The first of the Ten Powers of the Tathagata is that he understands as it actually is the possible as possible and the impossible as impossible. To what is this power referring? What are the causes for attaining this power?
4. The second of the Ten Powers is that he understands as it actually is the results of actions undertaken, past, future, and present, with possibilities and causes. Consider for a moment what actions must have been done in previous lives for an event in your life to unfold. What were the causes and conditions for the action you brought to mind? Consider just how vast those causes and conditions must be for just that one action, let alone the karma of all beings.
5. The third of the Ten Powers is that he understands as it actually is the ways leading to all destinations. What is meant by “destinations?” What does knowing this allow the Buddha to do?