What is Siddhi?
Siddhi (Sanskrit: सिद्धि, “accomplishment” or “perfection”) refers to extraordinary supernatural or spiritual powers attained through rigorous yogic and meditative practices in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, particularly as enumerated in Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras. The term ṛddhi (Pali: iddhi, “psychic powers”) is often used interchangeably in Buddhism.
These abilities range from physical feats—anima (becoming infinitely small), mahima (becoming infinitely large), laghima (becoming weightless), garima (becoming heavy), prapti (attaining anything desired), prakamya (fulfilling any wish), ishitva (having absolute control), and vashitva (having the power to subdue others)—to perceptual powers like clairvoyance, knowledge of past and future, and mind-reading. Siddhis represent heightened perceptual and psychophysical abilities that validate the efficacy of spiritual discipline but are not the ultimate aim of practice.
Origins & Lineage
These abilities are described in ancient yogic and tantric texts, particularly in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Vedas, and the Puranas. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed about 1500 B.C., and codified about 600 B.C. References to extraordinary powers appear in these earliest strata of Indic thought, though systematic cataloging emerged later.
The concept of siddhi is most systematically outlined in the third chapter (Vibhūti Pāda) of the Yoga Sūtras, where Patañjali details how samyama—the integrated application of dhāraṇā (concentration), dhyāna (meditation), and samādhi (absorption)—on specific objects yields these powers. The text likely dates to between 400 BCE and 400 CE. 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”.
Different traditions enumerate siddhis differently. 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), and agni arka ambu viṣa ādīnām pratiṣṭambhaḥ (checking the influence of fire, sun, water, poison). 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”.
In Buddhism, the Visuddhimagga is one of the texts to give explicit details about how spiritual masters were thought to actually manifest supernormal abilities. Composed by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE, 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.
How It’s Practiced
In the 8 limbs of yoga, Patanjali specifically points to the last three (dharana, dhyana, and samadhi) which forms samyama to be practiced simultaneously to gain full control of these siddhis. The practitioner directs concentrated awareness (dharana) onto a specific object or principle, sustains meditative absorption (dhyana) on it, and achieves samadhi—a state where subject-object distinctions dissolve. This three-fold technique applied to different focal points is said to produce corresponding powers.
The individual must master kasina meditation before this is possible. Kasina practice, detailed in Buddhist texts, involves sustained concentration on colored discs or elemental objects until the meditator can manipulate perceptual experience at will. Dipa Ma, who trained via the Visuddhimagga, claimed to have these abilities, but her claim was never independently verified.
In the yogic tradition, Siddhi refers to magical powers, psychic capabilities or extraordinary strengths that can be achieved through an intense sadhana of meditation, yoga, tapas, repetition of mantras, and the cultivation of spiritual energy. The practices are not undertaken casually; they demand years of disciplined training under a qualified teacher.
Siddhi Today
Contemporary seekers encounter the concept of siddhis primarily through study of classical texts—the Yoga Sutras, commentaries by Vyasa and later scholars, and translations of Buddhist abhidhamma literature. Meditation retreats in Vipassana, Tibetan Buddhist, and classical yoga lineages may address siddhis conceptually, though few teachers claim to possess or teach them directly.
Tantric Buddhism, Sikhism, Samkhya philosophy, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism, all have their interpretation of siddhis. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the mahasiddhas—tantric adepts of medieval India and Tibet—are revered as exemplars who demonstrated both mundane siddhis and ultimate realization. Modern Tibetan lineages preserve these stories while emphasizing that powers without wisdom perpetuate samsara.
Direct instruction in cultivating siddhis is rare in mainstream Western yoga studios, which focus on physical postures and stress reduction. Serious engagement requires immersion in traditional contexts—ashrams in India, Tibetan monasteries, or intensive retreat environments—where advanced concentration practices are taught systematically.
Common Misconceptions
Siddhis are not the goal of yogic practice. Patanjali warns practitioners that Siddhis should not be the ultimate goal of their spiritual journey. Instead, they should focus on achieving self-realization and union with the divine. The Yoga Sutras emphasize that siddhis can bind the practitioner if pursued for personal gain, urging transcendence beyond sensory distractions.
Siddhis are not proof of enlightenment. These extraordinary powers are considered distractions on the path to enlightenment and can even become obstacles to spiritual progress if one becomes attached to them. Classical texts across traditions treat them as byproducts of concentration that can inflate ego and derail liberation if valorized.
The term does not exclusively mean supernatural feats. In the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of moral fables, siddhi may be the term for any unusual skill or faculty or capability. In some Samkhya contexts, the eight siddhis refer to types of knowledge and freedom from suffering rather than paranormal abilities.
Modern claims of siddhi possession should be approached with discernment. Historical accounts exist, but independent verification remains elusive. The tradition itself cautions against public display of powers, considering it a breach of ethical conduct that dissipates spiritual energy.
How to Begin
Begin with foundational concentration practice. Develop one-pointed attention through techniques like breath awareness, mantra repetition, or visual object meditation before approaching advanced practices. Georg Feuerstein’s The Yoga Tradition (1998) and Edwin Bryant’s translation and commentary on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali (2009) provide scholarly entry points.
Study the Vibhuti Pada (Book III) of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with a qualified teacher or through rigorous self-study. This chapter details specific samyama practices and their purported results, offering a map of the territory without recommending pursuit of powers as ends in themselves.
For Buddhist perspectives, read Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga (“Path of Purification”), available in Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli’s 1956 translation. Chapter XII addresses the supernormal powers in detail, situating them within the broader framework of insight development.
Seek out retreat centers or teachers in traditional lineages who emphasize advanced concentration practices: 10-day or longer Vipassana retreats (in the tradition of S.N. Goenka or Mahasi Sayadaw), extended stays at ashrams teaching classical ashtanga yoga, or Tibetan Buddhist centers offering ngöndro (preliminary practices) and subsequent deity yoga training.
Approach with humility, patience, and proper motivation—understanding that if siddhis arise, they are milestones, not destinations, on the path to liberation.