[690] What is the noble spiritual power (ariyā iddhi)?
Here, if a bhikkhu should wish, "May I dwell perceiving the unrepulsive (appaṭikūla) in the repulsive (paṭikūla)," he dwells therein perceiving the unrepulsive. If he should wish, "May I dwell perceiving the repulsive in the unrepulsive," he dwells therein perceiving the repulsive. If he should wish, "May I dwell perceiving the unrepulsive in both the repulsive and the unrepulsive," he dwells therein perceiving the unrepulsive. If he should wish, "May I dwell perceiving the repulsive in both the unrepulsive and the repulsive," he dwells therein perceiving the repulsive. If he should wish, "Avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, may I dwell with equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending," he dwells therein with equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending.
How does he dwell perceiving the unrepulsive in the repulsive? In the case of a disagreeable object, he either pervades it with loving-kindness or regards it by way of the elements (dhātu). Thus he dwells perceiving the unrepulsive in the repulsive.
How does he dwell perceiving the repulsive in the unrepulsive? In the case of an agreeable object, he either pervades it with the perception of foulness (asubha) or regards it as impermanent. Thus he dwells perceiving the repulsive in the unrepulsive.
How does he dwell perceiving the unrepulsive in both the repulsive and the unrepulsive? In the case of both a disagreeable and an agreeable object, he either pervades it with loving-kindness or regards it by way of the elements. Thus he dwells perceiving the unrepulsive in both the repulsive and the unrepulsive.
How does he dwell perceiving the repulsive in both the unrepulsive and the repulsive? In the case of both an agreeable and a disagreeable [object], he either pervades it with the perception of foulness or regards it as impermanent. Thus he dwells perceiving the repulsive in both the unrepulsive and the repulsive.
How, avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, does he dwell with equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending? Here, having seen a form with the eye, a bhikkhu is neither glad nor dejected; he dwells with equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending. Having heard a sound with the ear, having smelled an odour with the nose, having tasted a flavour with the tongue, having touched a tangible object with the body, having cognized a mental phenomenon with the mind, he is neither glad nor dejected; he dwells with equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending. Thus, avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, he dwells with equanimity, mindful and clearly comprehending. This is the noble spiritual power.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.