The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c8.s3.23

c8.s3.23

The word *ṛddhi* is sometimes coupled with *prātihārya*, which means “jugglery, working miracles, a miracle; Gaukelei, Erzeugung von Wundern, Wundertätigkeit” (*Skt. Dicy.* Pbg. and M.W.). The latter term is of wider import than *ṛddhi*, as there are three kinds of *prātihārya*, of which *ṛddhi-prātihārya* is one. The other two may be described as “wonders” only in a metaphorical sense: they are given as ādecanā-prātihārya and anuśāsanī-prātihārya.⁹² These terms may be translated as "manifestation-wonder" and "education-wonder". They are not of great importance as far as a bodhisattva is concerned. But the first prātihārya, which is associated with ṛddhi, is frequently mentioned in connection with a bodhisattva's activity. We may regard the two terms, ṛddhi and ṛddhi-prātihārya, as synonymous for all practical purposes. Ṛddhi is also reckoned as one of the six abhijñās and will be discussed in detail as such.