Siddhis: The Achievement of Mystic Perfection: Part 1

Siddhis are surprisingly easy to manifest

Aspire to the supernatural

Siddhis are the manifestation of supernatural abilities in the aspirant. They are naturally made available to spiritual masters through the course of their pursuit of perfection, but the determined sadhak (aspirant) may gain the same or similar powers through japa and tapas (chanting and penance).

Common misconceptions

Siddhi does not occur overnight. Does the aspiring athelete break world records overnight? Is every cricketer ever to step onto the pitch automatically as skilled as Tendulkar? No.

Distinguished athletes’ abilities come from a combination of natural talent and countless hours of practice. In a similar manner, the spiritual aspirant is either advantaged through birth (had attained or came very close to attaining siddhis in a prior lifetime) or has worked very hard to receive them.

However, one does not need to be a Himilayan Rishi to manifest some of the minor powers; they are surprisingly easy to attain.

Classifications of Siddhis

There are three broad classifications of siddhis: the 8 primary siddhis, 10 minor siddhis; and a number of ‘micro’ siddhis. This series will look at each of these sets in turn.

The Ashtasiddhis 

The legendary ashtasiddhis are known to virtually everyone: both adults through scripture and children through hearing puranic tales.

Here is a list

• 1 Anima – Decrease one’s body size to atomic level or manipulate density to pass through solid matter. Demonstrated by: Hanuman.
• 2 Maghima – The opposite of Anima – increase one’s body size. Demonstrated by: Sri Krishna, Hanuman, various demons.
• 3 Laghima – Become lighter than air and fly. Demonstrated by Hanuman.
• 4 Gharima – The power to become heavier than any mortal. Demonstrated by: Angatha in the court of Ravana.
• 5 Prapti – Bring objects to your hand through space. Demonstrated by: warriors who have received divine weapons. One can invoke them by calling them to hand.
• 6 Agamiyam – The ability to leave your body and enter that of another. This power costs two lifetimes’ worth of punya (positive karma) to use. Demonstrated by: Adi Shankaracharya.
• 7 Esathwam – All earthly beings bow before you and do your bidding. This siddhi is granted by Shiva himself. Only those who reach the rank of Maharishis, Celestial beings and Siddhas can use this power.
• 8 Vasithwam – Total control of all things everywhere. This is the sole privilege and attribute of God.

Understand that such powers are virtually impossible to attain

Please do not be under the delusion that any of the ashtasiddhis are available to ordinary mortals. They are powers of the highest calibre with such universe changing attributes that they are unobtainable by those below the level of Siddha.

To fully convey this point, understand that (1) only the greatest of great characters throughout history such as Hanuman, Adi Shankarcharya and Sri Krishna were said to have such powers; and (2) looking through scripture you will clearly see, such powers were only ever demonstrated at the direct command of God.

Coming soon: Part 2

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