We probably have come across the phrase 三明六通.
So what are these six higher knowledge (神通)?
Specifically, the six types of higher knowledges (chalabhiññā) are:
- “Higher powers” (iddhi-vidhā, 神足通), such as walking on water and through walls;
- “Divine ear” (dibba-sota, 天耳通), that is, clairaudience;
- “Mind-penetrating knowledge” (ceto-pariya-ñāṇa, 他心通), that is, telepathy;
- “Remember one’s former abodes” (pubbe-nivāsanussati, 宿命通), that is, recalling one’s own past lives;
- “Divine eye” (dibba-cakkhu, 天眼通), that is, knowing others’ karmic destinations; and,
- “Extinction of mental intoxicants” (āsavakkhaya, 漏盡通), upon which arahantship follows.
Chinese terms taken from here:
So what about the 三明?
It seems to be a subset of the 6 types of knowledges and are known as the three knowledges or wisdoms (tevijja or tivijja):
- “Remember one’s former abodes” (pubbe-nivāsanussati);
- “Divine eye” (dibba-cakkhu); and,
- “Extinction of mental intoxicants” (āsavakkhaya).
三明是指,天眼明,宿命明,漏盡明。就是指在阿羅漢聖者,天眼,宿命,漏盡三通能夠徹底究竟,所以稱為明。持戒修行方能成就三明。
reference: 三明六通 - 维基百科,自由的百科全书