Difference between revisions of "Siddhi"
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| − | '''Siddhi''' (Devanagari सिद्धि; IAST: siddhi; Tibetan: དངོས་གྲུབ, Wylie: dngos grub) is a [[Sanskrit]] noun that can be translated as "perfection", "accomplishment", "attainment", or "success". The term is first attested in the Mahabharata. In the Pancatantra, a siddhi may be any unusual skill or faculty or capability. As a term in the Manusmriti, it refers to the settlement of a debt. | + | '''[[Siddhi]]''' ({{Wiki|Devanagari}} सिद्धि; IAST: [[siddhi]]; [[Tibetan]]: དངོས་གྲུབ, Wylie: dngos grub) is a [[Sanskrit]] noun that can be translated as "[[perfection]]", "[[accomplishment]]", "[[attainment]]", or "success". The term is first attested in the {{Wiki|Mahabharata}}. In the Pancatantra, a [[siddhi]] may be any unusual skill or faculty or capability. As a term in the Manusmriti, it refers to the [[settlement]] of a debt. |
| − | Siddhi is produced by sadhana. The former term, which literally means "success," includes accomplishment, achievement, success, and fruition of all kinds. A person may thus gain siddhi in speech, siddhi in [[Mantra]], etc. A person is [[Siddha]] also who has perfected his spiritual development. The various powers attainable – namely, anima, mahima, laghima, garima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva, vashitva, the powers of becoming small, great, [[Light]], heavy, attaining what one wills, and the like – are known as the eight siddhi. | + | [[Siddhi]] is produced by [[sadhana]]. The former term, which literally means "success," includes [[accomplishment]], achievement, success, and [[fruition]] of all kinds. A [[person]] may [[thus]] gain [[siddhi]] in [[speech]], [[siddhi]] in [[Mantra]], etc. A [[person]] is [[Siddha]] also who has perfected his [[spiritual]] development. The various [[powers]] attainable – namely, anima, mahima, laghima, garima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva, vashitva, the [[powers]] of [[becoming]] small, great, [[Light]], heavy, attaining what one wills, and the like – are known as the eight [[siddhi]]. |
| − | The thirty-ninth chapter of the Brahmavaivarta Purana mentions eighteen kinds, but there are many others, including such minor accomplishments as nakhadarpana siddhi or "nail-gazing." The great siddhi is spiritual perfection. Even the mighty powers of the "eight siddhi" are known as the "lesser siddhi," since the greatest of all siddhi is full [[Liberation]] (mahanirvana) from the bonds of phenomenal [[Life]] and union with the Paramatma, which is the supreme object (paramartha) to be attained through human birth. | + | The thirty-ninth chapter of the Brahmavaivarta [[Purana]] mentions eighteen kinds, but there are many others, including such minor accomplishments as nakhadarpana [[siddhi]] or "nail-gazing." The great [[siddhi]] is [[spiritual]] [[perfection]]. Even the mighty [[powers]] of the "eight [[siddhi]]" are known as the "lesser [[siddhi]]," since the greatest of all [[siddhi]] is full [[Liberation]] (mahanirvana) from the bonds of [[phenomenal]] [[Life]] and union with the Paramatma, which is the supreme [[object]] ([[paramartha]]) to be attained through [[human]] [[birth]]. |
[[File:Siddhielix.jpg|thumb|250px|Magical accomplishment siddhi nectar elixir transmission. The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple, Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet, Ian Baker, Thomas Laird.]] | [[File:Siddhielix.jpg|thumb|250px|Magical accomplishment siddhi nectar elixir transmission. The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple, Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet, Ian Baker, Thomas Laird.]] | ||
| − | In the Samkhya Karika and Tattva Samasa, it refers to the attainment of eight [[Siddhis]] that make one become rid of pain-causing [[Ignorance]], to gain [[Knowledge]], and experience bliss. In [[Tantric Buddhism]], it specifically refers to the acquisition of supernatural powers by psychic or magical means or the supposed faculty so acquired. These powers include items such as clairvoyance, levitation, bilocation, becoming as small as an atom, materialization, having access to memories from past lives, etc. The term is also used in this sense in the Sarva-darśana-saṃgraha of Madhvacharya (1238–1317). | + | In the {{Wiki|Samkhya}} Karika and [[Tattva]] Samasa, it refers to the [[attainment]] of eight [[Siddhis]] that make one become rid of pain-causing [[Ignorance]], to gain [[Knowledge]], and [[experience]] [[bliss]]. In [[Tantric Buddhism]], it specifically refers to the acquisition of [[supernatural powers]] by [[psychic]] or [[magical]] means or the supposed faculty so acquired. These [[powers]] include items such as clairvoyance, levitation, bilocation, [[becoming]] as small as an [[atom]], materialization, having access to memories from past [[lives]], etc. The term is also used in this [[sense]] in the Sarva-darśana-saṃgraha of Madhvacharya (1238–1317). |
| − | In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras IV.1 it is stated (rendered in IAST): | + | In Patanjali's [[Yoga]] [[Sutras]] IV.1 it is stated (rendered in IAST): |
: janma auṣadhi [[Mantra]] tapaḥ samādhijāḥ siddhayaḥ | : janma auṣadhi [[Mantra]] tapaḥ samādhijāḥ siddhayaḥ | ||
| − | where janma ("birth"), auṣadhi ("medicinal plant, herb, drug, [[Incense]], elixir"), [[Mantra]] ("incantation, charm, spell"), tapaḥ ("heat, burning, shining, as ascetic devotional practice, burning desire to reach perfection, that which burns all impurities"), [[Samādhi]] ("profound [[Meditation]], total absorption"), jāḥ ("born") and siddhayaḥ ("perfections, accomplishments, fulfillments, attainments") are rendered in English by Iyengar (1966, 2002: p. 246) thus: | + | where janma ("[[birth]]"), auṣadhi ("medicinal [[plant]], herb, drug, [[Incense]], elixir"), [[Mantra]] ("incantation, charm, spell"), tapaḥ ("heat, burning, shining, as [[ascetic]] devotional practice, burning [[desire]] to reach [[perfection]], that which burns all [[impurities]]"), [[Samādhi]] ("profound [[Meditation]], total absorption"), jāḥ ("born") and siddhayaḥ ("[[perfections]], accomplishments, fulfillments, attainments") are rendered in English by Iyengar (1966, 2002: p. 246) [[thus]]: |
| − | : Accomplishments may be attained through birth, the use of herbs, incantations, self-discipline or [[Samadhi]]. | + | : Accomplishments may be attained through [[birth]], the use of herbs, incantations, self-discipline or [[Samadhi]]. |
| − | == Five [[Siddhis]] of Yoga and [[Meditation]] == | + | == Five [[Siddhis]] of [[Yoga]] and [[Meditation]] == |
| − | In the Bhagavata Purana, the five [[Siddhis]] of Yoga and [[Meditation]] are described as below: | + | In the [[Bhagavata]] [[Purana]], the five [[Siddhis]] of [[Yoga]] and [[Meditation]] are described as below: |
| − | * tri-kāla-jñatvam: knowing the past, present and future | + | * tri-kāla-jñatvam: [[knowing]] the past, present and future |
| − | * advandvam: tolerance of heat, cold and other dualities | + | * advandvam: [[tolerance]] of heat, cold and other dualities |
| − | * para [[Citta]] ādi abhijñatā: knowing the minds of others and so on | + | * para [[Citta]] ādi abhijñatā: [[knowing]] the [[minds]] of others and so on |
| − | * agni arka ambu viṣa ādīnām pratiṣṭambhaḥ: checking the influence of [[Fire]], sun, water, poison, and so on | + | * [[agni]] arka ambu viṣa ādīnām pratiṣṭambhaḥ: checking the [[influence]] of [[Fire]], {{Wiki|sun}}, [[water]], [[poison]], and so on |
* aparājayah: remaining unconquered by others | * aparājayah: remaining unconquered by others | ||
| − | == Eight primary [[Siddhis]] == | + | == Eight [[primary]] [[Siddhis]] == |
| − | [[File:AshtaSiddhi.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Ganesha]] with the ashta (eight) siddhis. The Ashtasiddhi are shown as attendants of Ganesha. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906).]] | + | [[File:AshtaSiddhi.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Ganesha]] with the ashta (eight) [[siddhis]]. The Ashtasiddhi are shown as attendants of [[Ganesha]]. Painting by [[Raja]] Ravi Varma (1848-1906).]] |
| − | There is the concept of the Ashta Siddhi (eight [[Siddhis]]) in [[Hinduism]]. These are: | + | There is the {{Wiki|concept}} of the Ashta [[Siddhi]] (eight [[Siddhis]]) in [[Hinduism]]. These are: |
| − | * Aṇimā: reducing one's [[Body]] even to the size of an atom | + | * Aṇimā: reducing one's [[Body]] even to the size of an [[atom]] |
* Mahima: expanding one's [[Body]] to an infinitely large size | * Mahima: expanding one's [[Body]] to an infinitely large size | ||
| − | * Garima: becoming infinitely heavy | + | * Garima: [[becoming]] infinitely heavy |
| − | * Laghima: becoming almost weightless | + | * Laghima: [[becoming]] almost weightless |
* Prāpti: having unrestricted access to all places | * Prāpti: having unrestricted access to all places | ||
| − | * Prākāmya: realizing whatever one desires | + | * Prākāmya: [[realizing]] whatever one [[desires]] |
| − | * Iṣṭva: possessing absolute lordship | + | * Iṣṭva: possessing [[absolute]] lordship |
* Vaśtva: the [[Power]] to subjugate all | * Vaśtva: the [[Power]] to subjugate all | ||
| − | The eight [[Siddhis]] hinted at by Kapila in his [[Sutra]] - अष्टधा सिद्धिः ||१५|| - are as explained in Verse 51 of Samkhyakarika :- | + | The eight [[Siddhis]] hinted at by [[Kapila]] in his [[Sutra]] - अष्टधा सिद्धिः ||१५|| - are as explained in Verse 51 of Samkhyakarika :- |
| − | * Uuha: based on the samskaras of previous births the attainment of [[Knowledge]] about the twenty-four Tatwas gained by examining the determinable and the indeterminable conscious and the non-conscious constituents of creation, | + | * Uuha: based on the [[samskaras]] of previous [[births]] the [[attainment]] of [[Knowledge]] about the twenty-four Tatwas gained by examining the determinable and the indeterminable [[conscious]] and the non-conscious constituents of creation, |
| − | * Shabad: [[Knowledge]] gained by associating with an enlightened person ([[Guru]] – upadesh), | + | * Shabad: [[Knowledge]] gained by associating with an [[enlightened]] [[person]] ([[Guru]] – upadesh), |
| − | * Addhyyan: [[Knowledge]] gained through study of the [[Vedas]] and other standard ancillary texts, | + | * Addhyyan: [[Knowledge]] gained through study of the [[Vedas]] and other [[standard]] ancillary texts, |
| − | * Suhritprapti: [[Knowledge]] gained from a kind-hearted person, while engaged in the spread of [[Knowledge]] | + | * Suhritprapti: [[Knowledge]] gained from a kind-hearted [[person]], while engaged in the spread of [[Knowledge]] |
* Daan: [[Knowledge]] gained regardless of one’s own needs while attending to the requirements of those engaged in the search of the highest [[Truth]], | * Daan: [[Knowledge]] gained regardless of one’s own needs while attending to the requirements of those engaged in the search of the highest [[Truth]], | ||
| − | * Aadhyaatmik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain, disappointment, etc; arising due to lack of spiritual, metaphysical, mystic [[Knowledge]] and experience, | + | * Aadhyaatmik dukkh-haan: freedom from [[pain]], disappointment, etc; arising due to lack of [[spiritual]], [[metaphysical]], {{Wiki|mystic}} [[Knowledge]] and [[experience]], |
| − | * Aadhibhautik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain etc; arising by possessing and being attached to various materialistic gains, | + | * Aadhibhautik dukkh-haan: freedom from [[pain]] etc; arising by possessing and [[being]] attached to various materialistic gains, |
| − | * Aadhidaivik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain etc; caused by fate or due to reliance on fate, | + | * Aadhidaivik dukkh-haan: freedom from [[pain]] etc; [[caused]] by [[fate]] or due to reliance on [[fate]], |
| − | the attainment of which eight [[Siddhis]] makes one become rid of pain-causing [[Ignorance]] through gain of [[Knowledge]], and experience bliss. The aim of Samkhya is to eliminate all kinds of physical and [[Mental]] pains and to receive [[Liberation]]. | + | the [[attainment]] of which eight [[Siddhis]] makes one become rid of pain-causing [[Ignorance]] through gain of [[Knowledge]], and [[experience]] [[bliss]]. The [[aim]] of {{Wiki|Samkhya}} is to eliminate all kinds of [[physical]] and [[Mental]] [[pains]] and to receive [[Liberation]]. |
== Ten secondary [[Siddhis]] == | == Ten secondary [[Siddhis]] == | ||
| − | In the Bhagavata Purana, [[Lord]] Krishna describes the ten secondary [[Siddhis]] as: | + | In the [[Bhagavata]] [[Purana]], [[Lord]] {{Wiki|Krishna}} describes the ten secondary [[Siddhis]] as: |
| − | * anūrmi-mattvam: Being undisturbed by hunger, thirst, and other bodily disturbances | + | * anūrmi-mattvam: [[Being]] undisturbed by hunger, [[thirst]], and other [[bodily]] disturbances |
| − | * dūra-śravaṇa: Hearing things far away | + | * dūra-śravaṇa: [[Hearing]] things far away |
| − | * dūra-darśanam: Seeing things far away | + | * dūra-darśanam: [[Seeing]] things far away |
* manaḥ-javah: Moving the [[Body]] wherever [[Thought]] goes (teleportation/astral projection) | * manaḥ-javah: Moving the [[Body]] wherever [[Thought]] goes (teleportation/astral projection) | ||
| − | * [[Kāma]]-rūpam: Assuming any [[Form]] desired | + | * [[Kāma]]-rūpam: Assuming any [[Form]] [[desired]] |
| − | * para-[[Kāya]] praveśanam: Entering the bodies of others | + | * para-[[Kāya]] praveśanam: Entering the [[bodies]] of others |
| − | * sva-[[Chanda]] mṛtyuh: Dying when one desires | + | * sva-[[Chanda]] mṛtyuh: Dying when one [[desires]] |
| − | * devānām saha krīḍā anudarśanam: Witnessing and participating in the pastimes of the gods | + | * devānām [[saha]] krīḍā anudarśanam: Witnessing and participating in the pastimes of the [[gods]] |
| − | * yathā sańkalpa saḿsiddhiḥ: Perfect accomplishment of one's determination | + | * yathā sańkalpa saḿsiddhiḥ: Perfect [[accomplishment]] of one's [[determination]] |
| − | * ājñā apratihatā gatiḥ: Orders or commands being unimpeded | + | * ājñā apratihatā gatiḥ: Orders or commands [[being]] unimpeded |
| − | == Hindu gods associated with gaining siddhi == | + | == [[Hindu]] [[gods]] associated with gaining [[siddhi]] == |
| − | In [[Hinduism]], both Ganesha and Hanuman possess the eight supernatural powers (ashtamahasiddhis) and can give one access to Ashta [[Siddhis]]. | + | In [[Hinduism]], both [[Ganesha]] and Hanuman possess the eight [[supernatural powers]] (ashtamahasiddhis) and can give one access to Ashta [[Siddhis]]. |
| − | Skt., siddhi: accomplishment, a skill perfected | + | Skt., [[siddhi]]: [[accomplishment]], a skill perfected |
| − | Tib., dngos-grub: accomplishment, ability of perfection | + | Tib., dngos-grub: [[accomplishment]], ability of [[perfection]] |
| − | Term for a type of spiritual and/or mental accomplishment that we can best approximate with modern expressions such as ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) and/or with Colin Wilson's (b. 1931) Faculty X. Phrases such as mystical power, paranormal potential and magical skill are also often used to cover these phenomena. | + | Term for a type of [[spiritual]] and/or [[mental]] [[accomplishment]] that we can best approximate with {{Wiki|modern}} expressions such as ESP (Extra Sensory [[Perception]]) and/or with Colin Wilson's (b. 1931) Faculty X. Phrases such as [[mystical]] [[power]], paranormal potential and [[magical]] skill are also often used to cover these [[phenomena]]. |
| − | Vajrayana texts speak of eight types of siddhi only, but one can find a much more detailed classification in the Hindu Tantras, where 84 are recognized. Among these, several phenomena can be found which correspond to those charted by contemporary para-psychology, for example psychokinesis, telekinesis and the astral 'double'. All of these, of course, we also find when studying shamanism - and there is little doubt that Tibetan Buddhism has been very much influenced by that ancient, | + | [[Vajrayana]] texts speak of eight types of [[siddhi]] only, but one can find a much more detailed classification in the [[Hindu]] [[Tantras]], where 84 are [[recognized]]. Among these, several [[phenomena]] can be found which correspond to those charted by contemporary para-psychology, for example psychokinesis, telekinesis and the {{Wiki|astral}} 'double'. All of these, of course, we also find when studying {{Wiki|shamanism}} - and there is little [[doubt]] that [[Tibetan Buddhism]] has been very much influenced by that ancient, ‘[[magic]]’ oriented [[religion]]. |
| − | The following list shows the Sanskrit names for some of the better known siddhis. | + | The following list shows the [[Sanskrit]] names for some of the better known [[siddhis]]. |
: anima: decreasing one's size at will | : anima: decreasing one's size at will | ||
: antardhana: making oneself invisible | : antardhana: making oneself invisible | ||
| − | : kamarupitva: assuming forms at will | + | : kamarupitva: assuming [[forms]] at will |
| − | : kamavasaita: power to control one's passion | + | : kamavasaita: [[power]] to control one's [[passion]] |
| − | : khecara: the power to fly | + | : khecara: the [[power]] to fly |
| − | : kramana: the power to enter another person's body (i.e. possession) | + | : kramana: the [[power]] to enter another person's [[body]] (i.e. possession) |
| − | : laghiman: the power to cancel out gravity (i.e. levitation) | + | : laghiman: the [[power]] to cancel out gravity (i.e. levitation) |
: mahima: increasing one's size at will | : mahima: increasing one's size at will | ||
| − | : mohana: rendering a person unconscious | + | : mohana: rendering a [[person]] [[unconscious]] |
: manojavitva: achieving high speed | : manojavitva: achieving high speed | ||
: padalepa: to move about anywhere, unnoticed | : padalepa: to move about anywhere, unnoticed | ||
| − | : prapti: the power of obtaining everything | + | : prapti: the [[power]] of obtaining everything |
: prakamya: irresistible willpower | : prakamya: irresistible willpower | ||
: stambhana: causing temporary paralysis in someone | : stambhana: causing temporary paralysis in someone | ||
: vasitva: control over others | : vasitva: control over others | ||
| − | : vikaranadharmitva: infinite mental powers | + | : vikaranadharmitva: [[infinite]] [[mental]] [[powers]] |
| − | The term siddhi is also at the root of the title for the 84 Greatly Accomplished Ones (Skt., Mahasiddhas), each of whom had achieved one of more of these 'perfections'. | + | The term [[siddhi]] is also at the [[root]] of the title for the 84 Greatly Accomplished Ones (Skt., [[Mahasiddhas]]), each of whom had achieved one of more of these '[[perfections]]'. |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 22:32, 5 September 2013
Siddhi (Devanagari सिद्धि; IAST: siddhi; Tibetan: དངོས་གྲུབ, Wylie: dngos grub) is a Sanskrit noun that can be translated as "perfection", "accomplishment", "attainment", or "success". The term is first attested in the Mahabharata. In the Pancatantra, a siddhi may be any unusual skill or faculty or capability. As a term in the Manusmriti, it refers to the settlement of a debt.
Siddhi is produced by sadhana. The former term, which literally means "success," includes accomplishment, achievement, success, and fruition of all kinds. A person may thus gain siddhi in speech, siddhi in Mantra, etc. A person is Siddha also who has perfected his spiritual development. The various powers attainable – namely, anima, mahima, laghima, garima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva, vashitva, the powers of becoming small, great, Light, heavy, attaining what one wills, and the like – are known as the eight siddhi.
The thirty-ninth chapter of the Brahmavaivarta Purana mentions eighteen kinds, but there are many others, including such minor accomplishments as nakhadarpana siddhi or "nail-gazing." The great siddhi is spiritual perfection. Even the mighty powers of the "eight siddhi" are known as the "lesser siddhi," since the greatest of all siddhi is full Liberation (mahanirvana) from the bonds of phenomenal Life and union with the Paramatma, which is the supreme object (paramartha) to be attained through human birth.
In the Samkhya Karika and Tattva Samasa, it refers to the attainment of eight Siddhis that make one become rid of pain-causing Ignorance, to gain Knowledge, and experience bliss. In Tantric Buddhism, it specifically refers to the acquisition of supernatural powers by psychic or magical means or the supposed faculty so acquired. These powers include items such as clairvoyance, levitation, bilocation, becoming as small as an atom, materialization, having access to memories from past lives, etc. The term is also used in this sense in the Sarva-darśana-saṃgraha of Madhvacharya (1238–1317).
In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras IV.1 it is stated (rendered in IAST):
- janma auṣadhi Mantra tapaḥ samādhijāḥ siddhayaḥ
where janma ("birth"), auṣadhi ("medicinal plant, herb, drug, Incense, elixir"), Mantra ("incantation, charm, spell"), tapaḥ ("heat, burning, shining, as ascetic devotional practice, burning desire to reach perfection, that which burns all impurities"), Samādhi ("profound Meditation, total absorption"), jāḥ ("born") and siddhayaḥ ("perfections, accomplishments, fulfillments, attainments") are rendered in English by Iyengar (1966, 2002: p. 246) thus:
- Accomplishments may be attained through birth, the use of herbs, incantations, self-discipline or Samadhi.
Five Siddhis of Yoga and Meditation
In the Bhagavata Purana, the five Siddhis of Yoga and Meditation are described as below:
- tri-kāla-jñatvam: knowing the past, present and future
- advandvam: tolerance of heat, cold and other dualities
- para Citta ādi abhijñatā: knowing the minds of others and so on
- agni arka ambu viṣa ādīnām pratiṣṭambhaḥ: checking the influence of Fire, sun, water, poison, and so on
- aparājayah: remaining unconquered by others
Eight primary Siddhis
There is the concept of the Ashta Siddhi (eight Siddhis) in Hinduism. These are:
- Aṇimā: reducing one's Body even to the size of an atom
- Mahima: expanding one's Body to an infinitely large size
- Garima: becoming infinitely heavy
- Laghima: becoming almost weightless
- Prāpti: having unrestricted access to all places
- Prākāmya: realizing whatever one desires
- Iṣṭva: possessing absolute lordship
- Vaśtva: the Power to subjugate all
The eight Siddhis hinted at by Kapila in his Sutra - अष्टधा सिद्धिः ||१५|| - are as explained in Verse 51 of Samkhyakarika :-
- Uuha: based on the samskaras of previous births the attainment of Knowledge about the twenty-four Tatwas gained by examining the determinable and the indeterminable conscious and the non-conscious constituents of creation,
- Shabad: Knowledge gained by associating with an enlightened person (Guru – upadesh),
- Addhyyan: Knowledge gained through study of the Vedas and other standard ancillary texts,
- Suhritprapti: Knowledge gained from a kind-hearted person, while engaged in the spread of Knowledge
- Daan: Knowledge gained regardless of one’s own needs while attending to the requirements of those engaged in the search of the highest Truth,
- Aadhyaatmik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain, disappointment, etc; arising due to lack of spiritual, metaphysical, mystic Knowledge and experience,
- Aadhibhautik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain etc; arising by possessing and being attached to various materialistic gains,
- Aadhidaivik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain etc; caused by fate or due to reliance on fate,
the attainment of which eight Siddhis makes one become rid of pain-causing Ignorance through gain of Knowledge, and experience bliss. The aim of Samkhya is to eliminate all kinds of physical and Mental pains and to receive Liberation.
Ten secondary Siddhis
In the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna describes the ten secondary Siddhis as:
- anūrmi-mattvam: Being undisturbed by hunger, thirst, and other bodily disturbances
- dūra-śravaṇa: Hearing things far away
- dūra-darśanam: Seeing things far away
- manaḥ-javah: Moving the Body wherever Thought goes (teleportation/astral projection)
- Kāma-rūpam: Assuming any Form desired
- para-Kāya praveśanam: Entering the bodies of others
- sva-Chanda mṛtyuh: Dying when one desires
- devānām saha krīḍā anudarśanam: Witnessing and participating in the pastimes of the gods
- yathā sańkalpa saḿsiddhiḥ: Perfect accomplishment of one's determination
- ājñā apratihatā gatiḥ: Orders or commands being unimpeded
Hindu gods associated with gaining siddhi
In Hinduism, both Ganesha and Hanuman possess the eight supernatural powers (ashtamahasiddhis) and can give one access to Ashta Siddhis.
Skt., siddhi: accomplishment, a skill perfected Tib., dngos-grub: accomplishment, ability of perfection
Term for a type of spiritual and/or mental accomplishment that we can best approximate with modern expressions such as ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) and/or with Colin Wilson's (b. 1931) Faculty X. Phrases such as mystical power, paranormal potential and magical skill are also often used to cover these phenomena.
Vajrayana texts speak of eight types of siddhi only, but one can find a much more detailed classification in the Hindu Tantras, where 84 are recognized. Among these, several phenomena can be found which correspond to those charted by contemporary para-psychology, for example psychokinesis, telekinesis and the astral 'double'. All of these, of course, we also find when studying shamanism - and there is little doubt that Tibetan Buddhism has been very much influenced by that ancient, ‘magic’ oriented religion. The following list shows the Sanskrit names for some of the better known siddhis.
- anima: decreasing one's size at will
- antardhana: making oneself invisible
- kamarupitva: assuming forms at will
- kamavasaita: power to control one's passion
- khecara: the power to fly
- kramana: the power to enter another person's body (i.e. possession)
- laghiman: the power to cancel out gravity (i.e. levitation)
- mahima: increasing one's size at will
- mohana: rendering a person unconscious
- manojavitva: achieving high speed
- padalepa: to move about anywhere, unnoticed
- prapti: the power of obtaining everything
- prakamya: irresistible willpower
- stambhana: causing temporary paralysis in someone
- vasitva: control over others
- vikaranadharmitva: infinite mental powers
The term siddhi is also at the root of the title for the 84 Greatly Accomplished Ones (Skt., Mahasiddhas), each of whom had achieved one of more of these 'perfections'.
