Session 1 – Foundations of the Siddhis
IN THIS LESSON
The Sanskrit word siddhi comes from the root sidh, meaning “to accomplish” or “to perfect.” In yogic tradition, siddhis are extraordinary abilities that arise from advanced states of consciousness. Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, particularly in Vibhuti Pada (Book III), describes them as natural byproducts of samyama—the combined practice of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and absorption (samadhi).
Required Outside Reading
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Book II 2.29–2.45; Book III/Vibhuti Pada, especially 3.1–3.6, 3.16–3.38, 3.45–3.46, 3.50–3.51; Book IV 4.34
Swami Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — commentary on 3.16–3.38 and siddhis
Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi — chapters on Lahiri Mahasaya’s miracles and thought transmission
B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga — section on yamas and niyamas
Swami Rama, Living with the Himalayan Masters — chapters on psychic training
Swami Prabhavananda & Christopher Isherwood, How to Know God — Vibhuti Pada commentary
Swami Sivananda, The Three Gunas
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14 and Chapter 3
Swami Vivekananda, Raja Yoga — Vibhuti Pada and ethical purity
Lama Anagarika Govinda, Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism
Swami Sivananda, The Science of Pranayama — sections on siddhis
Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces — will and transformation
Eknath Easwaran, The Bhagavad Gita — commentary on self-mastery
Swami Muktananda, Play of Consciousness
Swami Sivananda, Mind — Its Mysteries and Control
Swami Vivekananda, Jnana Yoga — reincarnation
Dr. Ian Stevenson, Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation
Swami Rama, Path of Fire and Light — astral travel
William Buhlman, Adventures Beyond the Body
Ram Dass, Be Love Now — humility and service
Eknath Easwaran, The Yamas & Niyamas
Chandogya Upanishad 8.7 — “Tat tvam asi”
Ramana Maharshi, Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi
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The Sanskrit word siddhi comes from the root sidh, meaning “to accomplish” or “to perfect.” In yogic tradition, siddhis are extraordinary abilities that arise from advanced states of consciousness. Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, particularly in Vibhuti Pada (Book III), describes them as natural byproducts of samyama—the combined practice of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and absorption (samadhi).
However, the sages caution: siddhis are not the goal of yoga. While they may include clairvoyance, levitation, telepathy, heightened senses, or mastery over elements, the true purpose of yoga is liberation (kaivalya). Patanjali warns that attachment to siddhis can become an obstacle on the path if they inflate the ego or distract from union with the Self.
Historically, siddhis have been described in Vedic literature, Buddhist texts, and later tantric traditions, often categorized as:
Mahasiddhis – “Great” powers (e.g., anima, mahima, laghima, garima)
Secondary siddhis – Subtle yet profound gifts like heightened perception, healing abilities, or perfect recall.
When approached with humility, siddhis become tools for service and deeper spiritual insight. The key is to cultivate viveka (discernment) and vairagya (non-attachment) so the siddhis serve the soul’s evolution rather than bind it.
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Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Vibhuti Pada (Book III)
Swami Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, commentary on sutras 3.16–3.38
Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi, chapters on Lahiri Mahasaya’s miracles
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Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Take three deep breaths, grounding your awareness in the present moment.
Place your right hand over your heart and silently state:
“Any ability I receive will be used in service of truth and love.”Rest in silence for 5 minutes, allowing the intention to root deeply in your consciousness.