Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s10.t7.27

v1.c7.s10.t7.27

“*Siddhis*”, aka “supernormal power”, can only be gained by a yogi on the basis of the last three of the “Eight Limbs of Yoga”, ie Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, which, collectively, are known as “sanyama”. Different “Siddhis” can be achieved by exerting “sanyama” upon different objects. For instance, through sanyama on animals, the sun, the moon, the stars, body organs and functions thereof, etc., one can accordingly obtain a wealth of supernatural knowledge and miraculous ability. In addition, one may also acquire the “viveka-khyati” to distinguish between sattva and purusha. Once the yogi achieves this particular discerning wisdom, he can gain a mastery over all existences and infinite knowledge. If the yogi can go one step further and get rid of even the “viveka-khyati” itself, the “seed of evil” will be destroyed, enabling him or her to attain absolute “independence” and “separateness” and get delivered.