Yoga Sutras of Patanjali « Vedakalpataru
SIDDHIS OR SUPER NATURAL POWERS
A siddhi is an achievement of super natural powers by the aspirant when he/she reaches the level of Saṁprajñāta Samādhi. The citta is like a crystal which reflects whatever is presented to it without adding or removing from the object. (I-41)
When the Yogi reaches one pointed ness he goes beyond all the aspects of change of Prakrti or basic stuff of the universe. Once a Yogi understands Prakrti completely, he can change it by mere act of thought or will into any form.
Siddhis or achievements can be classified as,
Siddhis belonging to the Perceptible,
Siddhis belonging to Perception,
Siddhis belonging to Perceiver and
Fourth, the highest perfection that is associated with Asaṁprajñāta Samādhi.
It is a popular belief that there are eight siddhis that belong to the Perceptible.
The eight siddhis are
Aṇima or reducing the body to the size of an atom,
Mahima or inflating the body to any size,
Lahima or making the body light to the extent of floating in the air,
Gharima or making the body heavy,
Prākāmya or irresistible will that can extend to any object,
Īśhatva or supremacy or lordship, the power of controlling the operation of elements,
Vaśitva or independence, ability to retard the power of elements without being influenced by them and
Kāmāvasāyita or fulfillment of desires, the power to turn even poison into nectar.
WARNING ON THE USE OF SIDDHIS:
Although Patañjali mentions the occurrence of different siddhis in the third chapter, he is very particular about warning the aspirant not to be distracted by the Siddhis.
The siddhis become great obstacles for reaching final goal of Yoga, Asaṁprajñāta Samādhi. Patañjali warns that siddhis are not the aim of Yoga.
Siddhis are likely to tempt the aspirant by powers and pride of one’s achievement. He says that the aspirant may be tempted even by gods to prevent him from reaching his goal. Steadfastness is the only way and should not even develop the ego that he is beyond such temptations.
States similar to Samādhi can be gained by various other means like drugs but they are not to be pursued.