The Mystical Powers of Siddhis: Unlocking Spiritual Abilities Through Sadhana

In the world of spiritual practice, Siddhis are regarded as extraordinary abilities that emerge from intense meditation, yoga, and devotion. The pursuit of Siddhis has been integral to many yogic traditions, with the belief that these powers offer insight into the deeper aspects of existence. But what exactly are Siddhis? How are they attained? And, more importantly, how do they impact one’s spiritual journey? Let’s explore this fascinating subject and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Siddhis, including the Asta Siddhis, Nav Nidhis, and other minor Siddhis.

What Are Siddhis?

Siddhis are supernatural powers or spiritual abilities that are said to be attainable through dedicated sadhana (spiritual practices), especially through practices like mantra, bhakti, yoga, meditation, and devotion. These powers are described in various ancient texts, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Puranas. Siddhis are not merely about controlling the physical world; they are believed to be the result of a deep connection with the divine, which allows the yogi to transcend human limitations. In extreme cases, one even holds the capability to bend the reality as per their desire.

In essence, Siddhis are the fruits of disciplined spiritual practice. However, their attainment is considered secondary to the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation (Moksha). The spiritual journey is viewed as the path to enlightenment, and Siddhis are considered temporary and transient gifts that should not distract from the greater purpose of self-realization. These are just additional support alloted to you by the diety so that your life gets easy and you may focus more on your spiritual liberation.

If you wish to learn deeper, in most of the cases, siddhis are the souls of ones who were great bhakta and had achieved some siddhi when they were living being as a human. Now since you are doing some sadhana, they are attached to you and shall make your life easy and in return they receive some credit that helps them move to the next step. If you have divya dristi, you will see that siddhis look like the devi or the devata whom they have worshipped. About this I shall discuss more when I write about the topic Mantra siddhi.

The Process of Attaining Siddhis

Attaining Siddhis is not a simple feat. It requires years of disciplined sadhana, including meditation, breath control (Pranayama), and focused mental practices. The process typically involves the following stages:

• Purification of the Mind: The first step towards attaining Siddhis is purifying the mind. Through practices like mantra meditation, the mind becomes calm and focused, allowing the practitioner to connect with higher consciousness.
• Concentration and Meditation: The practitioner must develop an intense level of concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana) to access higher spiritual states. These practices open the door to greater self-awareness and intuitive knowledge.
• Control Over the Body: Mastery over the body and breath is crucial in cultivating Siddhis. By practicing specific asanas (yoga postures) and Pranayama, yogis learn to control their physical form and energy, which enables them to tap into spiritual powers.
• Invocation of Divine Grace: Siddhis are often seen as blessings from the divine. Devotion (Bhakti) and surrender to God are considered essential in gaining the favor of higher energies that grant these powers.

The Asta Siddhis (Eight Great Powers)

Among the various Siddhis, the Asta Siddhis are the most well-known. These eight powers are the pinnacle of spiritual mastery and are described in several ancient texts, particularly in the Yoga Sutras and the Puranas. The Asta Siddhis are:

1. Anima: The ability to shrink one's body to the size of an atom. This power allows the yogi to become minuscule and enter even the smallest spaces.
2. Mahima: The ability to expand one’s body to immense sizes, allowing the yogi to grow to gigantic proportions.
3. Garima: The ability to become extremely heavy, allowing the yogi to become as heavy as they desire.
4. Laghima: The ability to become weightless, enabling the yogi to float or even fly.
5. Prapti: The ability to acquire anything desired, even the most difficult-to-reach objects.
6. Prakamya: The ability to fulfill any desire or wish with ease and precision.
7. Ishita: The ability to control and manipulate natural forces or laws, including controlling time and space.
8. Vashita: The ability to control others, even their minds, and influence the environment around them.

These powers, while impressive, are often seen as distractions on the path to spiritual liberation. Yogis who attain these Siddhis must practice humility and avoid becoming attached to these abilities, as they can lead to egoism and a deviation from the true spiritual path.

The Nav Nidhis (Nine Treasures)

In addition to the Asta Siddhis, there are the Nav Nidhis, which are the nine treasures or forms of wealth mentioned in Vedic texts. These treasures are often associated with Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, and are believed to bestow immense material and spiritual prosperity upon the practitioner. The nine treasures are:

1. Padma: Symbolizing a lotus, this treasure brings beauty, prosperity, and spiritual purity.
2. Shankha: A conch shell that represents purity, the divine sound, and blessings of good fortune.
3. Makara: A mythical sea creature that bestows strength, resilience, and power over adversities.
4. Kachhapa: A tortoise that symbolizes protection, stability, and longevity.
5. Vyaghra: A tiger, representing courage, authority, and the power to conquer fear.
6. Hamsa: A swan that represents wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to discern between good and bad.
7. Kundala: Earrings that signify beauty, elegance, and artistic expression.
8. Vaijayanti: A garland of victory that brings success, fame, and spiritual victories.
9. Gadha: A mace, symbolizing strength, protection, and the ability to fight against ignorance.

Minor Siddhis and Their Significance

Apart from the major Siddhis, there are several minor Siddhis that can be cultivated through intense sadhana. These include powers like healing, the ability to communicate with animals, clairvoyance, and the ability to manipulate natural elements like fire or water. Though they are not as well-known as the Asta Siddhis, they still hold significant spiritual value.

Here is a list of the well known minor siddhie

• The ability to know all languages including those of animals.
• Knowledge of one’s past lives.
• Knowledge of the nature of other peoples minds.
• The ability to make one’s body invisible.
• The ability to make the sounds of one’s body unhearable.
• The ability to make everyone happy and joyful.
• The ability to possess great strength.
• The ability to locate hidden things.
• The knowledge of the fourteen planetary systems(Bhu-Mandala).
• The knowledge of the arrangements of stars.
• The knowledge of the movement of stars.
• The knowledge of bodily anatomy.
• The ability to remain motionless.
• The ability to perceive the celestial beings known as Siddh.
• The understanding of consciousness.
• The knowledge of the soul.
• The ability to walk on water, thorns and similar objects.
• The ability to surround oneself with a blaze of light.
• The ability to be omnipotent and omniscient.

Low level or Nich-koti Siddhis.

Besides, everything we mist always accept that the evil to exists. There is greedy and hungry people who strive for money, power and a lot of other things and to do that, they are not willing to pay the right price, effort nor they do any personal sacrifice. They need instant result and a small magig is enough for them to make some money and demonstrate power. These greedy people instead of doing the right sadhana, move in the wrong direction. They worship the low level deities, the pichach, pret and all such negative elements. Where the positive siddhis take more than a new lifetime to achieve, these low grade siddhis take just a few weeks. However, one must note, in this category, there is no protection, you stay away from the good, the devatas, your family and moksha. When you leave the body, you too become a pret too. Initially it seems like very amazing but very soon one realizes that they have entered a disgusting path from where thinking of a return may not be possible.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Siddhis

While Siddhis can be powerful tools for spiritual growth and even material success, they come with both benefits and drawbacks:

Advantages

• Spiritual Growth: Siddhis often reflect the deep connection with divine energies and can accelerate spiritual progress.
• Enhanced Wisdom: The attainment of Siddhis often leads to greater self-awareness and insight into the nature of reality.
• Physical Healing: Many Siddhis, such as healing, can be used for self-care and for helping others in need.

Disadvantages

• Ego and Attachment: Siddhis can lead to pride and attachment if not approached with humility, diverting one from the path of liberation.
• Distraction from Moksha: The pursuit of powers can be distracting, pulling the yogi away from the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.
• Misuse: When used for personal gain or manipulation, Siddhis can cause harm to oneself and others.

Conclusion

Siddhis are extraordinary spiritual abilities that arise from years of dedicated sadhana. While they offer fascinating possibilities, they are not the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. True enlightenment comes from transcending the ego and understanding the self as one with the divine. The key to using Siddhis wisely lies in balance, humility, and a commitment to one’s higher purpose—spiritual liberation.