On fermion masses, gradient flows and potential in supersymmetric theories

In any low energy effective supergravity theory general formulae exist whic h allow one to discuss fermion masses, the scalar potential and breaking of symmetries in a model independent set up. A particular role in this discus sion is played by Killing vectors and Killing prepotentials. We outline the se relations in general and specify then in the context of N = 1 and N = 2 supergravities in four dimensions. Useful relations of gauged quaternionic geometry underlying hypermultiplets dynamics are discussed.