Siddhis: Accomplishments

Sutra 3:5"By the mastery of samyama comes the light of knowledge."

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Vibhuti Pada is the third section of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In Sanskrit, vibhuti means "power" or "manifestation".  This section focuses on the attainment of extraordinary powers (siddhis) and spiritual accomplishments that arise as a result of samyama, which is the combined simultaneous practice of the last three internal limbs (dharana, dhyana & samadhi) of ashtanga yoga. It describes various techniques that lead to the manifestation of these powers. However, it also emphasizes the importance of using these powers responsibly and for spiritual growth rather than for personal gain.

Below is a list by sutra:

3:16 Knowledge of events that have occurred in the past and events that will occur in the future by practicing samyama on moments and their succession.

3:17 Ability to access memories of previous lives and understand the process of reincarnation by practicing samyama on the signs associated with death.

3:18 Ability to perceive and understand the thoughts, emotions, and intentions of other beings by practicing samyama on their thoughts and mental states.

3:19 Understanding the nature of consciousness itself, beyond individual perceptions and mental states by practicing samyama on the innermost aspect of perception.

3:20 Comprehensive knowledge that encompasses all objects and their significance by practicing samyama on the essence, the object, and its purpose.

3:21 Mastery over elements by practicing samyama on the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space). This involves control and manipulation of the elements, influencing physical phenomena.

3:22 Mastery of the sensory organs and the ability to transcend sensory experiences by practicing samyama on the elements of the senses.

3:23 Mastery over the physical body, including its functions and manifestations by practicing samyama on the form of one's own body.

3:24 Ability to transcend the effects of time and change on the body and mind by practicing samyama on the changes experienced by the body.

3:25 Understanding the interconnectedness of all beings and their underlying consciousness by practicing samyama on the distinction between consciousness and individuality.

3:26 Control over the effects of one's actions, leading to mastery in the performance of duties and responsibilities by practicing samyama on the sequence of actions and their results.

3:27 Ability to overcome mental barriers and obstacles that hinder spiritual progress, leading to clarity and insight by practicing samyama on the mind's power of discrimination.

3:28 Unimpeded bodily perfection by practicing samyama on the light within. This refers to the attainment of a radiant and healthy physical body, free from disease and imperfections.

3:29 Perception of subtle phenomena beyond the ordinary senses, such as celestial bodies and energies by practicing samyama on the sun, moon, and polestar.

3:30 Cosmic knowledge and understanding of the structure and functioning of the universe by practicing samyama on the arrangement of stars.

3:31 Further mastery over the elements particularly focused on the manipulation of energy within the body by practicing samyama on the navel center.

3:32 Knowledge of the nature and workings of the mind, including its thoughts, emotions, and tendencies by practicing samyama on the heart center.

3:33 Knowledge and deep insight into the nature of consciousness and its ultimate reality by practicing samyama on the light at the crown of the head.

3:34 Mastery and transcending the ego and identification with the physical body, leading to a sense of spaciousness and freedom by practicing samyama on the relation between the body and space.

3:35 Mastery over forms by practicing samyama on the perception of the body as devoid of form. This involves seeing the formless essence underlying all physical forms, leading to liberation from attachment to appearance.

3:36  Ability to become invisible or unnoticed by others by practicing samyama on the power of perception.

3:37 Perfect ability to hear enabling one to perceive sounds from great distances or subtle realms by practicing samyama on the ether element.

3:38 Ability to understand the thoughts and intentions of others through enhanced perception by practicing samyama on the relationship between the ear and the ether.

3:39 Accessing memories of past lives and understanding the karmic influences on the present by practicing samyama on the relationship between the mind and the body.

3:40 Ability to foresee future events and understand the processes of life and death by practicing samyama on the signs of death.

3:41 Gaining physical strength and vitality comparable to that of an elephant by practicing samyama on the strength of an elephant.

3:42 Ability to make the body light and buoyant, defying gravity by practicing samyama on the lightness of cotton.

3:43 Ability to walk on water by practicing samyama on the lightness of a leaf.

3:44 Ability to levitate through mastery over subtle energies by practicing samyama on the self-effulgent light.

3:45 Mastery over nature's elements including control over weather and natural phenomena by practicing samyama on the relation between the body and space.

3:46 Ability to become invisible or unnoticed by others through mastery over the subtle elements by practicing samyama on the relation between the body and the ether.

3:47 Ability to enter and inhabit another person's body, also known as transmigration, by practicing samyama on the form of another.

3:48 Perfect comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the universe and it's laws by practicing samyama on the sun.

3:49 Perfect knowledge and deep insight into the celestial bodies and their influences on earthly phenomena of the arrangement of stars by practicing samyama on the moon.

3:50 Ability to leave the physical body and travel to subtle realms at will by practicing samyama on the polestar.

3:51 Perfect knowledge and understanding of the movement of stars, cosmic forces and their effects on individual consciousness by practicing samyama on the center of force within the body.

3:52 Ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), realizing the formless essence of the self, by practicing samyama on the formless essence.

3:53 Omniscience by practicing samyama on the distinction between consciousness and individuality. This refers to the highest state of knowledge and awareness, transcending all limitations of individuality and perception.

Use of the siddhis for personal gain would become an obstacle to further spiritual development. Throughout, Patanjali outlines the potential distractions and pitfalls that can arise from pursuing these powers, emphasizing that true liberation (kaivalya) comes from transcending the ego and realizing the true nature of the self.