y[=a]na_.

369. Q. Can this Iddhi power be lost?[1]

A. The _B[=a]hira_ can be lost, but the _Sasanika_ never, when once
acquired. _Lokottara_ knowledge once obtained is never lost, and it is
by this knowledge _only_ that the absolute condition of Nirv[=a]na is
known by the Arhat. And this knowledge can be got by following the
noble life of the Eightfold Path.

370. Q. _Had Buddha the Lokottara Iddh[=i]?_

A. Yes, in perfection.

371. Q. _And his disciples also had it?_

A. Yes, some but not all equally; the capacity for acquiring these
occult powers varies with the individual.

372. Q. _Give examples?_

A. Of all the disciples of the Buddha, Mogall[=a]na was possessed of
the most extraordinary powers for making phenomena, while [=A]nanda
could develop none during the twenty-five years in which he was the
personal and intimate disciple of the Buddha himself. Later he did, as
the Buddha had foretold he would.

373. Q. _Does a man acquire these powers suddenly or gradually?_

A. Normally, they gradually develop themselves as the disciple
progressively gains control over his lower nature in a series of
births.[2]

374. Q. _Does Buddhism pretend that the miracle of raising those who
are dead is possible?_

A. No. The Buddha teaches the contrary, in that beautiful story of
Kis[=a] Gotami and the mustard-seed. But when a person only seems to
be dead but is not actually so, resuscitation is possible.

375. Q. _Give me an idea of these successive stages of the Lokottara
development in Iddh[=i]?_

A. There are six degrees attainable by Arhats; what is higher than
them is to be reached only by a Buddha.

376. Q. _Describe the six stages or degrees?_

A. We may divide them into two groups, of three each. The first to
include (1) Progressive retrospection, _viz._, a gradually acquired
power to look backward in time towards the origin of things; (2)
Progressive foresight, or power of prophecy; (3) Gradual extinction of
desires and attachments to material things.

377. Q. _What would the second group include?_

A. The same faculties, but inimitably developed. Thus, the full Arhat
possesses perfect retrospection, perfect foresight, and has absolutely
extinguished the last trace of desire and selfish attractions.

378. Q. _What are the four means for obtaining Iddh[=i]?_

A. The will, its exertion, mental development, and discrimination
between right and wrong.

379. Q.