There are many spiritual gifts that one can acquire in their lifetime. These gifts can come from various sources, including teachers, gurus, or even the divine. In the Yogas, Siddhis are defined as supernatural, psychic, or magical powers that can be attained through yoga practice.
Siddhi comes from the Sanskrit script. Siddhis/spiritual gifts are often associated with yogis and saints who have attained a high level of spiritual development. There are said to be eight main types of siddhis. Some of these gifts include the ability to heal others, read minds, or perform miracles.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common spiritual gifts that people can acquire. In addition, we will explain how these gifts can be used to help others.
Keep reading to learn more about spiritual gifts and how you can acquire them!
What Are Spiritual Gifts/Siddhis?
Spiritual gifts, also called siddhis, are supernatural powers that are said to be acquired through spiritual practice.
There is a wide range of possible siddhis, from the ability to fly or become invisible to psychic powers like clairvoyance and precognition.
Some siddhis are more attainable than others, and some people may be more naturally gifted with specific abilities than others.
While the acquisition of siddhis is often associated with eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, there have been reports of people from all walks of life and all parts of the world experiencing these abilities.
Many of history's most famous figures - such as Jesus Christ, the Buddha, and others - are said to have possessed one or more siddhis.
Regular folk is also conduits for these gifts. You may know someone in your own life who has exhibited signs of having a siddhi.
How Can Spiritual Gifts Be Used?
There are many ways that spiritual gifts can be used. They can be employed for personal gain or the benefit of others.
For example, someone with the gift of healing could use their abilities to help others who are sick or injured. Someone with psychic powers might use their abilities to help solve crimes or find lost objects.
In general, siddhis should be used for good and not for evil. However, there have been cases where people have misused their abilities for personal gain or to harm others.
It is important to remember that acquiring a siddhi does not make one infallible. With great power comes great responsibility.
8 Common Types of Siddhis & Spiritual Gifts
There are said to be eight main types of siddhis. These are:
1. Anima: The ability to become extremely small or even invisible.
2. Mahima: The ability to become extremely large or to increase one's mass.
3. Garima: The ability to become very heavy or to increase one's density.
4. Laghima: The ability to become very light or to decrease one's density.
5. Prapti: The ability to attain anything one desires, including people and objects.
6. Prakamya: The ability to change the form of anything, including oneself.
7. Ishitva: The ability to control or domination over others.
8. Vashitva: The ability to make others obey one's will.
These are just some of the more commonly known siddhis. There are said to be many more, and new ones are being discovered all the time. Who knows what hidden talents or abilities you may possess?
How Does One Acquire Spiritual Gifts In Life?
From a yogic perspective, there are two types of gifts or siddhis that one can acquire in life. The first type is the result of past actions (karmic consequences), and the second type is due to spiritual practice (sadhana).
The karmic results can be either positive or negative. If one has practiced generosity in previous lives, then one may be reborn into a wealthy family. On the other hand, if one has committed negative actions, then they may suffer from poverty or ill health in this life.
The gifts that are acquired through spiritual practice are known as siddhis. These supernatural powers are attained through yogic techniques such as meditation and pranayama (breath control).
In Hatha Pradipika, Siddhis are referenced as “successes”: "By the practice of Hatha Yoga, Prana Vayu is controlled, and the Nadis become purified. As a result of this, success in the form of various Siddhis is attained." (Hatha Pradipika, 2.1)
The 8 significant siddhis are mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, they were listed earlier. Purifying the body, mind, and spirit through Sadhana (spiritual practice) leads to the awakening of these siddhis.
Many different techniques can be used to develop spiritual gifts. The most common and effective ones are meditation and pranayama. However, there are also some more advanced methods, such as tantra and mantra-based practices.
Whichever path you choose, always remember that the goal is not to acquire supernatural powers but to purify your mind and attain self-realization.
How Can Spiritual Gifts Be An Impediment On Spiritual Process
Many who experience Siddhis become engulfed by them and begin to misuse them. This often happens because they have not attained self-realization and are still attached to the material world.
This can be a significant impediment on the spiritual path and can even lead to mental instability. It is important to remember that Siddhis are just tools; they are not an end in themselves. The goal is to use them to attain self-realization, not to become trapped in the illusion of power.
Siddhis don't corrupt by their nature, but it is our perception and response to them which can lead to spiritual downfall.
If you think you may have developed some spiritual gifts, it is essential to learn how to control them. Otherwise, they can quickly become a hindrance on your spiritual path. The following are some tips on how to do this:
1. Don't get attached to the Siddhis: Remember that they are just tools and not an end in themselves.
2. Use them wisely: Use your abilities only for good and never misuse them.
3. Don't show off: Showing off your powers will only create egoism and attachment.
4. Be humble: Humble yourself before those more spiritually advanced than you.
5. Seek guidance: If you're unsure how to use your abilities, seek advice from a spiritual teacher or guru.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your spiritual gifts become a help rather than a hindrance on your spiritual path.
Working Siddhis In Solace Without Excess Attention Leads to Enhanced Vritti
If the Siddhis are worked in solace without excess attention, they lead to enhanced Vritti (mental states).
The movement of thoughts becomes more orderly, and there is a one-pointedness of mind. This enhances clarity of thought and eventually leads to inner peace.
When the Siddhis are forced or worked with egoistic intent, they give rise to Ahamkara (ego).
This causes restlessness of the mind and can even lead to mental instability. It is important to remember that the goal is not to acquire supernatural powers but to purify your mind and attain self-realization.
Enhanced streams of consciousness have a more significant impact in the immediate world and beyond.
If You Practice Dhyan and Pranayam, Siddhis Shouldn't Be A Goal In Your Mind
Dhyan and Pranayam are two of the most common methods used to develop spiritual gifts. However, it is essential to remember that the goal is not to acquire supernatural powers but to purify your mind and attain self-realization.
If you focus on acquiring Siddhis, you will likely become attached to them and may even misuse them. This can be a significant hindrance on your spiritual path. Instead, focus on your practice and let the Siddhis come naturally.
Being overwhelmed or underwhelmed in this regard can lead to a non-optimal experience that might corrupt the aspirant. The goal is to be in the middle way, which is often described as the "path of least resistance."
Use Your Spiritual Gifts Wisely
Siddhis are spiritual gifts that can be acquired through yoga and meditation. They are often misused because people are unaware of how to control them. It is essential to use your gifts wisely and for good to prevent them from hindering your spiritual path.
Also, remember that the goal is not to acquire supernatural powers but to purify your mind and attain self-realization. Siddhis are just tools; they are not an end in themselves. Use them to enhance your spiritual journey, and never get attached to them.