Unlocking the Hidden Powers: Siddhis in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
Yoga is often perceived as a gentle art of stretching the body and calming the mind. But when we dive deeper into its sacred origins, especially through the lens of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, we encounter something far more profound — the concept of Siddhis, the extraordinary spiritual powers latent within every being.
Siddhis are not just legends or myths. They are documented phenomena that arise naturally when a seeker masters the inner dimensions of consciousness. However, the ancient masters were unanimous in their caution: these powers are not the final goal of Yoga.
"Yoga is not a pursuit of powers, but a surrender to the boundless potential within."
~ Adarsh Singh
What Are Siddhis?
The word Siddhi comes from the Sanskrit root "Sidh," meaning perfection, accomplishment, or attainment. In yogic philosophy, Siddhis are supernatural capabilities that unfold when one perfects their spiritual discipline.
According to Patanjali, Siddhis arise from the practice of Samyama — a deep integration of concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and absorption (Samadhi).
By mastering Samyama on different objects, ideas, or subtle realities, the yogi unlocks powers that transcend normal human experience.
However, Patanjali warns that while Siddhis are awe-inspiring, they can become distractions if the practitioner becomes attached to them.
The true goal of Yoga remains Kaivalya — complete liberation of the soul.
The Eight Major Siddhis According to Patanjali
Among the many Siddhis mentioned, eight classical ones — often called Ashta Siddhis — hold special significance in yogic and spiritual traditions. Let’s explore them individually:
1. Aṇimā (Minuteness):
This is the ability to reduce one’s physical body to the size of the smallest atom, becoming invisible to the naked eye. Symbolically, it represents mastery over the limitations of matter.
2. Mahimā (Greatness):
Mahima is the power to grow infinitely large, expanding one's presence beyond normal physical boundaries. It signifies the expansion of consciousness into universal dimensions.
3. Garimā (Heaviness):
With Garima, a yogi can make their body immensely heavy, rooted and immovable. Spiritually, it denotes stability and unshakable presence.
4. Laghimā (Lightness):
This Siddhi allows the yogi to become exceedingly light, lighter than air itself. It points to the transcendence of worldly burdens and limitations.
5. Prāpti (Attainment):
Prapti is the ability to reach or access anything desired, no matter how distant. In the inner realm, it represents access to universal knowledge and wisdom.
6. Prākāmya (Irresistible Will):
This Siddhi bestows the ability to achieve anything one wishes, including entering into other bodies or realms. It signifies complete harmony between thought, will, and manifestation.
7. Īśitva (Lordship):
Isitva is the absolute dominion over nature and the elements. It reflects the yogi’s mastery over the natural forces without being enslaved by them.
8. Vaśitva (Control):
Vasitva enables the practitioner to control all beings and material objects, not by force, but through the sheer intensity of their spiritual will and purity.
"Siddhis are reflections of inner mastery, but the wise yogi seeks the mirror, not the image."
~ Adarsh Singh
How Siddhis Are Attained
Patanjali clearly outlines that Siddhis are not obtained by wishful thinking or superficial practices.
They are fruits of:
Moral foundation (Yama and Niyama)
Physical discipline (Asana)
Vital control (Pranayama)
Sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara)
Concentration, meditation, and absorption (Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi)
Additionally, Siddhis can sometimes arise spontaneously through birth (previous karmas), herbs, mantra repetition, austerity, or divine grace — but sustained and conscious mastery always comes through inner refinement and not external shortcuts.
"The true miracle is not walking on water, but walking on the Earth with awakened eyes."
~ Adarsh Singh
Are Siddhis a Blessing or a Trap?
While Siddhis may seem enchanting, Patanjali and other sages caution strongly against getting attached to them.
Attachment to powers breeds ego, desire, and a subtle sense of superiority — all of which pull the soul back into bondage rather than setting it free.
Siddhis can become significant obstacles on the path of liberation if misused.
The enlightened yogi recognizes Siddhis as mere byproducts of spiritual growth, not as trophies to be flaunted.
The ultimate aspiration remains Kaivalya — freedom from all bondage, realization of the pure Self beyond mind, body, and ego.
"The fragrance of power is tempting, but the scent of freedom is divine."
~ Adarsh Singh
Siddhis in Modern Spiritual Practice
Today, seekers might still encounter glimpses of Siddhis — heightened intuition, psychic perception, healing abilities, or manifestation powers.
However, it is crucial to approach them with humility and discernment.
Modern yogis must remember that true spiritual progress is measured not by supernatural exhibitions, but by inner peace, compassion, and freedom from desires.
Siddhis are like milestones along a journey. They indicate progress but must never distract the traveler from reaching the true destination: Union with the Infinite.
Final Reflection
The Siddhis revealed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are a testament to the incredible potential that lies dormant within each one of us.
Yet the wise seeker knows: the greatest power is not in controlling the universe but in transcending the need to control at all.
Let the mystical powers inspire you — but never imprison you.
"True Yoga is not the conquest of the world outside, but the liberation of the world within."
~ Adarsh Singh
Mon Apr 28, 2025
Launch your Graphy