Siddhi


are material, paranormal, supernatural, or otherwise magical powers, abilities, and attainments that are the products of yogic advancement through sādhanās such as meditation and yoga. The term ṛddhi is often used interchangeably in Buddhism.

Etymology

Siddhi is a Sanskrit noun which can be translated as "perfection", "accomplishment", "attainment", or "success".

Method

The Visuddhimagga is one of the texts to give explicit details about how spiritual masters were thought to actually manifest supernormal abilities. It states that abilities such as flying through the air, walking through solid obstructions, diving into the ground, walking on water and so forth are achieved through changing one element, such as earth, into another element, such as air. The individual must master kasina meditation before this is possible. Dipa Ma, who trained via the Visuddhimagga, was said to demonstrate these abilities.

Usage in Hinduism

In the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of moral fables, siddhi may be the term for any unusual skill or faculty or capability.

Patanjali's ''Yoga Sutras''

In Patañjali's Yoga Sutras IV.1 it is stated, Janma auṣadhi mantra tapaḥ samādhijāḥ siddhayaḥ, "Accomplishments may be attained through birth, the use of herbs, incantations, self-discipline or samadhi". Possible siddhis or siddhi-like abilities mentioned include:
According to different sources, seven of the eight classical siddhis or eight great perfections are:
The eighth is given as either:
In Shaivism, siddhis are defined as "Extraordinary powers of the soul, developed through consistent meditation and often uncomfortable and grueling tapas, or awakened naturally through spiritual maturity and yogic sādhanā."

Vaishnavism

In Vaishnavism, the term siddhi is used in the Sarva-darśana-saṃgraha of Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita philosophy.

Five siddhis, according to Vaishnava doctrine

In the Bhagavata Purana, the five siddhis brought on by yoga and meditation are:
  1. trikālajñatvam: knowing the past, present and future
  2. advandvam: tolerance of heat, cold and other dualities
  3. para citta ādi abhijñatā: knowing the minds of others, etc.
  4. agni arka ambu viṣa ādīnām pratiṣṭambhaḥ: checking the influence of fire, sun, water, poison, etc.
  5. aparājayah: remaining unconquered by others

    Ten secondary siddhis, according to Vaishnava doctrine

In the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna describes the ten secondary siddhis:
In the Samkhyakarika and Tattvasamasa, there are references to the attainment of eight siddhis by which "one becomes free of the pain of ignorance, one gains knowledge, and experiences bliss".
The eight siddhis hinted at by Kapila in the Tattvasamasa are, as explained in verse 51 of the Samkhyakarika:
  1. Uuha: based on the samskaras of previous births, the attainment of knowledge about the twenty-four tattvas gained by examining the determinable and indeterminable, conscious and non-conscious constituents of creation.
  2. Shabda: knowledge gained by associating with an enlightened person.
  3. Addhyyan: knowledge gained through study of the Vedas and other standard ancillary texts.
  4. Suhritprapti: knowledge gained from a kind-hearted person, while engaged in the spread of knowledge.
  5. Daan: knowledge gained regardless of one’s own needs while attending to the requirements of those engaged in the search of the highest truth.
  6. Aadhyaatmik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain, disappointment, etc. that may arise due to lack of spiritual, metaphysical, mystic knowledge and experience.
  7. Aadhibhautik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain etc. arising from possessing and being attached to various materialistic gains.
  8. Aadhidaivik dukkh-haan: freedom from pain etc. caused by fate or due to reliance on fate.
It is believed that the attainment of these eight siddhis renders one free of the pain of ignorance, and gives one knowledge and bliss.

Hindu deities associated with gaining siddhi

, Hanuman, various forms of Devi, Narayana and various other deities are popularly seen as the keepers of siddhis, with the ability to grant them to the worshipper.

Usage in Sikhism

In Sikhism, siddhi means "insight". "Eight Siddhis" is used for insight of the eight qualities of Nirankar or a.k.a. Akal Purakh mentioned in the Mul Mantar in the Guru Granth Sahib. God has eight qualities: EkOnkar, Satnam, Kartapurakh, Nirbhao, Nirvair, AkaalMurat, Ajooni and Svaibhang. The one who has insight of these qualities is called Sidh or Gurmukh.
1. EkOnkar: There is one formless GOD.
2. Satnam: GOD is true. His remembrance is true.
3. Kartapuratk: GOD alone is creater.
4. Nirbhao: GOD is fearless.
5. Nirvair: GOD has enmity with none.
6. AkaalMurat: Beyond the life and death.
7. Ajooni Svaibhang: GOD is beyond the cycle of birth and death.
Sidh means the one who has mastered his self.

Usage in Vajrayana Buddhism

In Tantric Buddhism, siddhi 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, and having access to memories from past lives.

Published sources