Siddhi: Understanding the Eight Great Perfections

In Indian religions, Siddhis (Sanskrit: सिद्धि siddhi; fulfillment, accomplishment) refer to material, paranormal, supernatural, or magical powers. These abilities are products of yogic advancement through sādhanās such as meditation and yoga. The term ṛddhi (Pali: iddhi, "psychic powers") is often used interchangeably in Buddhism.

Etymology of Siddhi

Siddhi is a Sanskrit noun that translates to "knowledge," "accomplishment," "attainment," or "success." This term encapsulates the essence of achieving extraordinary capabilities through dedicated spiritual practice.

Methods of Attaining Siddhi

The Visuddhimagga is one of the texts that detail how spiritual masters manifest supernormal abilities. It states that powers like flying through the air or walking on water are achieved by transforming one element into another. Mastery of kasina meditation is essential for this transformation. Dipa Ma, who trained via the Visuddhimagga, claimed to possess these abilities, although her claims were never independently verified.

Siddhi in Hinduism

In the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of moral fables, siddhi can refer to any unusual skill or capability.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

In Patañjali's Yoga Sutras IV.1, it states: Janma auṣadhi mantra tapaḥ samādhijāḥ siddhayaḥ. This means accomplishments may be attained through birth, herbs, incantations, self-discipline, or samadhi. Patanjali discusses siddhi in Vibhuti Pada (the third chapter). Commentators like Vyasa view it as a by-product of the yogic path due to mastery over prakriti. Verse III.37 warns that siddhis can distract from the ultimate goal. Verse III.55 emphasizes that liberation (kaivalya) comes through knowledge, not mystic powers. Once ignorance is removed, the cycle of rebirth (samsara) ceases.

The Eight Classical Siddhis

Ganesha is often associated with the Ashta-Siddhi. According to various sources, the eight classical siddhis (Ashta Siddhi) or eight great perfections are:

• Aṇimā: The ability to reduce one's body to the size of an atom.

• Mahimā: The ability to expand one's body to an infinitely large size.

• Laghimā: The ability to become weightless or lighter than air.

• Garimā: The ability to become heavy or dense.

• Prāpti: The ability to access any place in the world.

• Prākāmya: The ability to realize whatever one desires.

• Īśitva: The ability to control all material elements or natural forces.

• Vaśitva: The ability to influence others.

  
  

In ISKCON texts, Garimā is referred to as Mahimā, while the ability to expand one's body is replaced with Kāmāvasāyitā, allowing one to take any desired shape.

Siddhi in Shaivism

In Shaivism, siddhis are defined as extraordinary powers of the soul. These powers develop through consistent meditation and often challenging tapas. They can also awaken naturally through spiritual maturity and yogic sādhanā.

Siddhi in Vaishnavism

In Vaishnavism, the term siddhi appears in the Sarva-darśana-saṃgraha of Madhvacharya (1238–1317), the founder of Dvaita (dualist) philosophy.

Five Siddhis According to Vaishnava Doctrine

In the Bhagavata Purana, the five siddhis brought on by yoga and meditation are:

• trikālajñatvam: Knowing the past, present, and future.

• advandvam: Tolerance of heat, cold, and other dualities.

• para citta ādi abhijñatā: Knowing the minds of others.

• agni arka ambu viṣa ādīnām pratiṣṭambhaḥ: Checking the influence of fire, sun, water, and poison.

• aparājayah: Remaining unconquered by others.

  
  

Ten Secondary Siddhis According to Vaishnava Doctrine

In the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna describes the ten secondary siddhis:

• anūrmimattvam: Being undisturbed by hunger and thirst.

• dūraśravaṇa: Hearing things from a distance.

• dūradarśanam: Seeing things far away.

• manojavah: Moving the body wherever thought goes (teleportation/astral projection).

• kāmarūpam: Assuming any desired form.

• parakāya praveśanam: Entering the bodies of others.

• svachanda mṛtyuh: Dying at will.

• devānām saha krīḍā anudarśanam: Witnessing and participating in the pastimes of the gods.

• yathā saṅkalpa saṁsiddhiḥ: Perfect accomplishment of one's determination.

• ājñāpratihatā gatiḥ: Orders or commands being unimpeded.

  
  

Samkhya Philosophy and Siddhi

In the Samkhyakarika and Tattvasamasa, references exist regarding the attainment of eight siddhis. These siddhis help one become free from ignorance, gain knowledge, and experience bliss. The eight siddhis hinted at by Kapila in the Tattvasamasa are:

• Ūha: Knowledge based on karmic imprints from previous births.

• Śabda: Knowledge gained by associating with an enlightened person (Guru).

• Adhyayana: Knowledge gained through the study of the Vedas and other texts.

• Suhṛtprāpti: Knowledge gained from kind-hearted individuals.

• Dānā: Knowledge gained while attending to others' needs.

• Ādhyātmika-duḥkhabighāta: Freedom from pain due to lack of spiritual knowledge.

• Ādhibhautika-duḥkhabighāta: Freedom from pain caused by attachment to material gains.

• Ādhidaivika-duḥkhabighāta: Freedom from pain caused by fate.

  
  

Attaining these eight siddhis is believed to bring knowledge and bliss.

Hindu Deities Associated with Siddhi

Ganesha, Hanuman, various forms of Devi, Vishnu, and other deities are seen as keepers of siddhis. They can grant these powers to worshippers. The pursuit of siddhis is particularly emphasized in Shaivism. Hanuman, an incarnation of Shiva, and Ganesha, His son, are central figures in this pursuit. The last day of Navaratri celebrates Siddhidhatri, who embodies the power to grant siddhis. According to Puranic lore, Shiva is the holder and releaser of these powerful abilities.

Siddhi in Sikhism

In Sikhism, siddhi means "insight." The term "Eight Siddhis" refers to the insight into the eight qualities of Nirankar (Akal Purakh) mentioned in the Mul Mantar in the Guru Granth Sahib. God possesses eight qualities:

• Ek Onkar: There is one formless God.

• Satnam: God is True, and His remembrance is true.

• Kartapurakh: God is the sole creator.

• Nirbhao: God is fearless.

• Nirvair: God has no enmity with anyone.

• Akaal Murat: God is eternal, beyond time.

• Ajooni Svaibhang: God is beyond the cycle of birth and death.

• Gurparasad: God is attained by the Grace of the True Guru.

  
  

A Sidh or Gurmukh is someone who has mastered themselves.

Siddhi in Vajrayana Buddhism

In Tantric Buddhism, siddhi specifically refers to the acquisition of supernatural powers through psychic or magical means. These powers include clairvoyance, levitation, bilocation, astral projection, materialization, and access to memories from past lives.

In conclusion, understanding Ashta Siddhi is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice. These eight great perfections serve as milestones on the path of enlightenment. They remind us of the potential within each of us to achieve extraordinary capabilities through dedication and discipline.