For some, yoga is about flexibility and attaining inner peace. But for others, it’s a technique for achieving certain yogic powers, like telepathy, mind projection and even levitation -- an ability believed to be possessed by certain Tibetan monks. Yoga’s purpose is union with the divine, and these powers, or siddhis, are merely a by-product of the path to enlightenment.
Little Siddhis
According to Swami Amritananda Saraswati of Yoga Magazine, siddhis are a natural expression of practicing yoga -- anyone can achieve them. You may have already achieved minor or little siddhis, according to EdgeMagazine.net. For instance, a calm mind, self-healing -- curing your own illnesses -- and psychic abilities, such as clairsentience and clairvoyance, are considered little siddhis, while the sought after ”magical” powers of levitation and shamanic mind projection -- projecting your consciousness into an animal or person -- are considered major siddhis.
Blocks to Siddhis
Negative emotions, such as fear, fatigue and irritation, block the path to enlightenment and inner peace. Your mind must be clear, calm and open. According to Paramhansa Yoganandaji in “Autobiography of a Yogi,” siddhis should not to be your goal. Seeking them is a distraction to enlightenment and perhaps a block to achieving siddhis. The yoga website, Ananda Sangha, quotes Yoganandaji as saying that siddhis are merely a sign of spiritual advancement, not powers to be revered.
Third Eye Activation
Jump-starting siddhis activation, according to Yoga Magazine, begins by maintaining your regular daily routines. For example, bedtimes and mealtimes should be consistent. Even short 5-minute yoga routines are helpful, if practiced regularly. Consistency is key for opening the third eye, or the ajna chakra -- the energy center located between the eyebrows. It’s considered the seat of psychic abilities, and it must be open for siddhis to activate. So, if you have a crazy schedule, you may have to simmer down.
Yoga Practice
Regular yoga practice eventually opens the siddhis naturally. Its positions correspond with the sympathetic, parasympathetic and central nervous systems to affect the chakras -- the energy centers of the body -- and activate the siddhis. Yoga Magazine also recommends other yoga techniques -- such as concentration, meditation and repeating mantras -- to assist with opening the siddhis. The yoga website AnmolMehta.com suggests chanting the mantra "Om" to open the third eye. The brahmari pranayama -- a humming technique recommended by Yoga Magazine -- affects all the chakras, particularly the third eye. But remember, by the time most advanced yogis begin to achieve siddhis, they will be more interested in enlightenment and less impressed by the mystical powers of siddhis .
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Writer Bio
Based in Atlanta, Mya Passmore has been writing since 2010, covering health and business topics. She holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from George Washington University.