
Supernatural powers are often associated with magic, religion, and mythology. But is it possible to attain these powers through meditation?
According to some sources, the answer is yes. In fact, meditation is said to be the key to unlocking a variety of supernatural abilities, from telekinesis to clairvoyance. Achieving these powers requires a dedicated and disciplined approach to meditation, with some sources suggesting that the fourth level of meditation is where supernatural powers can be accessed.
However, it's important to note that not all types of meditation lead to supernatural powers. The object of meditation and the specific technique employed seem to be crucial factors. Additionally, some believe that supernatural powers can also be attained through other means, such as birth, mantras, truth, and deities.
While the idea of possessing supernatural powers may be intriguing, it's important to approach this topic with caution and a critical eye. Claims of supernatural abilities often lack scientific evidence, and it's easy to fall into the realm of fantasy and myth.
Nevertheless, the concept of supernatural powers attained through meditation continues to fascinate and intrigue seekers of the mystical and esoteric.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of steps to attain supernatural powers | 4 |
First step | chanda–riddhipada, concentration of desire |
Second step | virya–riddhipada, concentration of exertion, or diligence |
Third step | citta–riddhipada, concentration of mind |
Fourth step | mimamsa–riddhipada concentration of inquiry, or investigation |
Number of levels of meditation | 4 |
Level of meditation required to attain supernatural powers | 4 |
What You'll Learn
The four steps to magical powers
- Chanda: Concentration of desire. This step involves cultivating a strong desire to attain the supreme and wondrous dhyana (a meditative practice in Buddhism). Chanda can be translated from Sanskrit as "desire", which can have both positive and negative connotations. As a step towards concentrative power, chanda denotes a hope or vow, which can help to overcome common obstacles to practice, such as laziness.
- Virya: Concentration of diligence or exertion. This step involves making a strong vow to attain dhyana and diligently applying the method of practice. It is about being diligent in dealing with wandering thoughts of the past, present, and future, and letting them go.
- Citta: Concentration of mind. This step is about being mindful of your intention to practice and guarding against laziness, drowsiness, and a scattered mind, which are obstacles to attaining liberation.
- Mimamsa: Concentration of inquiry or investigation. This step involves having an inquiring or discriminating mind, ensuring that the first three steps (chanda, virya, and citta) are present. It also involves knowing the importance of these steps and that they are crucial to progressing on the path to buddhahood.
The Four Enhanced Phenomena
Before embarking on the four steps to magical powers, it is important to understand the four enhanced phenomena that grow out of this practice: warmth, summit, forbearance, and supreme in the world. These phenomena indicate that one has planted the virtuous roots of the four steps. Here is what they mean:
- Warmth: One's mind is becoming soft and gentle, and harshness is receding.
- Summit: Having gotten rid of harshness, one's mind has ascended to the peak.
- Forbearance: One will not bring harm to oneself or others.
- Supreme in the world: One has transcended worldliness and is approaching the stage of an arhat, a saint who has directly perceived the true nature of the self as a buddha.
A Word of Caution
While the development of supernatural powers is an intriguing prospect, it is important to approach this practice with the right intention. In Buddhism, the reason for practicing dhyana is not to acquire supernatural powers but to attain liberation. Additionally, having supernatural powers does not mean one is liberated in the Buddhist sense. While these powers may seem appealing, they are not always useful and can often yield negative results. They do not change one's karma and are not reliable, often being illusory in nature.
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The four enhanced phenomena
- Warmth: One's mind is becoming soft and gentle, and the harshness is receding.
- Summit: Having gotten rid of harshness, one's mind has ascended to the peak.
- Forbearance: One will not bring harm to oneself or others.
- Supreme in the world: One has transcended worldliness and is approaching the stage of an arhat.
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The five stages to buddhahood
The path to Buddhahood, or "awakening", is a process with several stages. While the number of stages varies depending on the source and the specific school of Buddhism, here is a five-stage path to Buddhahood:
- The Path of Accumulation: This stage is about generating positive intentions and aspirations. Bodhisattvas, or "heirs of the victorious ones", aspire towards the ultimate wisdom of the path of seeing. It is called the path of accumulation because it involves gathering merit and marks the beginning of many aeons of gathering. This path is divided into lesser, intermediate, and greater stages, each with its own practices and goals.
- The Path of Joining: This path connects the path of accumulation with the direct insight of non-conceptual wisdom on the path of seeing. It consists of four stages: warmth, summit, acceptance, and supreme attribute. These stages cultivate five powers: faith, diligence, mindfulness, meditative concentration, and wisdom.
- The Path of Seeing: At this stage, one attains supermundane wisdom and sees the true nature of things. It is marked by an experience of abundant bliss and is known as the stage of "Perfect Joy". Here, bodhisattvas gain twelve sets of one hundred qualities, such as the ability to enter and arise from one hundred samadhi meditations in an instant.
- The Path of Meditation: This stage involves meditating on and gaining familiarity with the wisdom realised on the path of seeing. The training here is in the noble eightfold path. There are three levels: lesser, intermediate, and greater, each with their own focus and qualities gained. Bodhisattvas perfect different paramitas or perfections at each level, such as discipline, patience, diligence, and wisdom.
- The Path of No-More-Learning: At this final stage, the bodhisattva has attained complete and full enlightenment. They are freed from conceptual obscurations and are in a state of "no-more-learning", having realised the path of cessation of dukkha or suffering. The bodhisattva's body emits immeasurable rays of light, making offerings to all Buddhas, who send back empowering light.
While the stages to Buddhahood are a guide to spiritual awakening, it is important to note that the interpretation and specifics of each stage can vary across different traditions and schools of Buddhism.
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The power of meditation
Meditation has been a practice for thousands of years, with roots in ancient India. It is a powerful tool for self-improvement and spiritual growth, and some believe it can even lead to the development of supernatural powers.
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits for mental and physical health, including reducing stress, improving focus and concentration, and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. It is a practice that can be accessible to anyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background.
The Link Between Meditation and Supernatural Powers
In addition to these well-known benefits, some believe that meditation can also lead to the development of supernatural powers. This idea is particularly prevalent in Eastern spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. According to these traditions, meditation is seen as a way to tap into the divine or spiritual energy that exists within and all around us.
The Process of Developing Supernatural Powers
The process of developing supernatural powers through meditation typically involves several steps or stages. One source outlines the following four steps:
- Concentration of Desire: This is the intense longing for spiritual enlightenment, which motivates the practitioner to continue their meditation practice despite obstacles and challenges.
- Concentration of Exertion or Diligence: This involves diligently applying the method of meditation, learning to let go of wandering thoughts, and maintaining focus on the present moment.
- Concentration of Mind: This is the practice of being mindful of one's intent to meditate and being aware of any obstacles, such as laziness or drowsiness, that may arise.
- Concentration of Inquiry: This involves having a discriminating or inquiring mind, ensuring that the previous three steps are present, and knowing the importance of each step in the journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
Types of Supernatural Powers
According to various sources, there are several types of supernatural powers that one may develop through meditation. These include:
- The power to read minds
- The ability to see beyond human eyes, including the ability to see into the past or future
- The ability to control the elements, such as fire, water, earth, and wind
- The ability to fly or teleport
- The power to heal with a touch
- The ability to become invisible
A Word of Caution
It is important to approach the idea of developing supernatural powers with caution and discernment. While meditation has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits, the development of supernatural powers remains largely anecdotal and subjective. It is also important to note that the pursuit of supernatural powers should not be the primary goal of meditation, as this may lead to frustration or disappointment. Instead, the focus should be on the process of meditation itself and the inner transformation that it facilitates.
In conclusion, meditation is a powerful tool that has the potential to lead to spiritual growth, self-mastery, and even the development of supernatural powers. However, it is important to approach this practice with an open mind, patience, and a commitment to consistent practice.
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The power of mantras
Mantra meditation is a powerful practice that has been used for centuries to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. The word "mantra" comes from the Sanskrit, with "man" meaning "mind" and "tra" meaning "release". It is a sound, word, or phrase repeated during meditation to help release your mind, acting as an anchor to the present moment and quieting the chatter of thoughts.
Choosing a Mantra
There is no one-size-fits-all mantra. The best mantra is one that resonates with you, bringing peace, focus, and connection beyond your meditation practice. Here are some types of mantras to consider:
- Loving-kindness mantras: Phrases of good wishes to yourself or others, such as "May I be happy" or "May you be healthy".
- Focused mantras: Speaking or thinking simple words like "in" and "out" as you breathe.
- Spiritual mantras: Derived from spiritual traditions, these invoke a divine being, such as "Om Namah Shivaya" (I bow to Shiva).
- Chakra mantras: Each chakra energy centre has a corresponding mantra, like "Lam" for the root chakra.
- Affirmations: Any phrase that feels empowering, such as "I am strong".
- Healing mantras: Believed to have physical and emotional healing powers, like "So Hum", which harmonises the body's energy flow.
- Word mantras: Visualise or speak meaningful words like "peace", "love", or "compassion".
Benefits of Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation can have transformative effects on your overall well-being. Some of the benefits include:
- Enhanced self-awareness: Mantra meditation can help you gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, fostering self-acceptance and personal growth.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: The repetitive nature of mantras calms the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Increased sense of calm: Mantra meditation can bring a deep sense of inner peace, even in chaotic environments.
- Strengthened self-compassion: By improving awareness of your thoughts and emotions, mantra meditation can lead to more self-acceptance and compassion.
- Improved focus and concentration: Focusing on a single mantra improves your ability to stay on task and avoid distractions in daily life.
- Enhanced sleep quality: The calming effects of mantra meditation can significantly improve sleep, helping you relax and potentially making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
- Deepened intuition and creativity: Quieting the mind and connecting with your inner self can allow new ideas and insights to flow more freely.
How to Practice Mantra Meditation
- Find a quiet space: Choose a comfortable and quiet place where you can sit or lie down without distractions.
- Get comfortable: Sit cross-legged, lie down, or walk—find a position you can hold for the length of your meditation.
- Set a timer: Decide how long you want to meditate (3-30 minutes) and set a timer with a relaxing sound.
- Focus on your breath: Pay attention to your breathing. Try box breathing: inhale and hold for four counts, then exhale and hold for four counts.
- Introduce the mantra: With each inhalation, silently repeat your chosen mantra, and allow it to release on each exhalation.
- Gently return to the mantra: If your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention back to your mantra.
- Close the meditation: When the timer goes off, take a few deep breaths and feel the stillness within you before gently waking up your body.
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Frequently asked questions
To attain supernatural powers, one must reach the fourth level of meditation. This can be achieved by focusing on a single thought for a prolonged period, until you feel like you have completely merged with the object of your focus. This process is known as self-control, and it can be applied to attain specific supernatural powers. For example, self-control over mental impressions can lead to the ability to know past lives, while self-control over nerve currents using the breath can enable levitation or walking on water.
Some of the supernatural powers that can be attained include the ability to know past lives, subdue hunger and thirst, levitate, walk on water, teleport, and more. Additionally, there are specific types of powers associated with different elements, such as the power of earth, water, fire, wind, and colour.
According to Patanjali Yoga Sutras, there are different stages of concentration, meditation, and absorption that lead to the development of supernatural powers. Concentration is achieved by holding the mind fixed on a specific object or power for 12 seconds. Meditation is maintaining this concentration for 12 x 12 seconds (2 minutes and 24 seconds). Lower absorption is reached by continuing this meditation for 12 x 2 minutes and 24 seconds (28 minutes and 48 seconds). Total absorption, which may lead to the expression of supernatural powers, is achieved by maintaining this absorption for 12 x 28 minutes and 48 seconds (5 hours, 45 minutes, and 36 seconds).
While attaining supernatural powers can be fascinating, it is important to approach this practice with caution. In some cases, individuals may become frightened or experience shock upon encountering supernatural creatures or phenomena. Additionally, the pursuit of supernatural powers may not align with certain spiritual paths, such as Buddhism, which emphasizes liberation over the acquisition of powers.