Perhaps this is just arrogant for me to say this, but... I think I may be able to explain some of these so-called "imponderables." At least, I hope so. It may sound incoherent and it is with great difficulty that I write this, but I feel it's important.
The four imponderables are:
- The range of Buddhas' powers
- The range of powers through jhana
- The results of kamma
- The ultimate nature or size of the universe
As I see it: Anyone can be a Buddha. Anyone can practice jhana. Anyone can see and the results of kamma. Anyone can see the ultimate nature of the universe.
In each case, the power comes from mindfulness and compassion.
Life is suffering and, if you can endure it infinitely, without hatred or thoughts of self -- congratulations, that is the unconditioned, the process of unbecoming they're talking about.
1. Don't assume Buddhas' powers are exhaustible or inexhaustible, but recognize that it is a power contingent on mindfulness and compassion, the same mindfulness and compassion you can practice right now.
2. Don't assume jhana is exhaustible or inexhaustible, but recognize that the range of powers through jhana is contingent on the amount of effort you practice right now. To attain the higher jhanas requires pondering maddening things -- maddening things not even worth describing, because it is true it is better to take it slow and find a good teacher.
3. Don't assume the world is orderly and materialistic (like scientists think) or that it's a strange dream-world where it's just a manifestation of mind, and you can have whatever you want. You know the movie "The Secret"? It's a lie. That doesn't mean you can't have what you want, but you have to want good things... Not things, but you have to want compassion and no suffering. You can never have the material things you want, like money and cars, nor can you ever have the immaterial things you want, like endless pleasure, but you can always be mindful and practice compassion. It just times time, practice, and training.
4. As for the universe? Who knows. I could talk a bit about this, but I don't think it would be worth it. You could see the Aganna Sutta.
Regarding the debate about aganna sutta, I could say something, but it would sound incoherent, you know? It makes sense to me in my head, but I'm a bit bewildered right now, you know...
I guess I could say it is whatever it seems to be... It could seem like many different things because you could interpret it in so many ways, and the interpretation of reality is apparently as much a part of the reality as the nature of reality itself... if that makes any sense. Because of interdependent origination.