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 Kisā 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 Iddhī?_ 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 Iddhī?_ A. The will, its exertion, mental development, and discrimination between right and wrong. 379. Q. _Our Scriptures relate hundreds of instances of phenomena produced by Arhats: what did you say was the name of this faculty or power?_ A. _Iddhī vidha_. One possessing this can, by manipulating the forces of Nature, produce any wonderful phenomenon, _i.e._, make any scientific experiment he chooses. 380. Q. _Did the Buddha encourage displays of phenomena?_ A. No; he expressly discouraged them as tending to create confusion in the minds of those who were not acquainted with the principles involved. They also tempt their possessors to show them merely to gratify idle curiosity and their own vanity. Moreover, similar phenomena can be shown by magicians and sorcerers learned in the _Laukika_, or the baser form of _Iddhī_ science. All false pretensions to supernatural attainment by monks are among the unpardonable sins (_Tevijja Sutta_). 381. Q. _You spoke of a "deva" having appeared to the Prince Siddhārtha under a variety of forms; what do Buddhists believe respecting races of elemental invisible beings having relations with mankind?_ A. They believe that there are such beings who inhabit worlds or spheres of their own. The Buddhist doctrine is that, by interior self-development and conquest over his baser nature, the Arhat becomes superior to even the most formidable of the devas, and may subject and control the lower orders. 382. Q. _How many kinds of devas are there?_