Satguru's Yoga Sutras

As many know, a book is being prepared for next year, being Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami's commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Today we share a canvas from Kerala, wherein Suresh Muttukulam depicts the siddhis, the powers that arise when yogas are mastered. The text speaks of some 25, but here we depict eight of them.

Here is Sutra 4.1:

anma-oadhi-mantra-tapa-samdhi-j siddhaya
The siddhis are the result of birth, herbs, mantras, austerity or samadhi.

Vyasa Comments:
Supernormal powers arising at the time of changing the bodily frame show themselves with birth. By herbs, as for example with chemicals in an Asura's (demon's) abode, medicinal powers are acquired. By Mantras or incantations, powers like flying or reducing one's size are attained. By practicing Tapas or austerities, power of fulfillment of wishes, e.g. going to any wished-for place etc., is acquired. The powers attainable through concentration have been explained before.

The yogi here has balanced Siva and Shanti, fire and air, Sun and Moon. Around him are arrayed the powers, explained more in the slideshow to follow.

The power of invisibility is cleverly depicted.

Seeing into the past and the future.

Physical powers, the yogi is effortlessly holding up the mountain with his pinky finger!

The power of remote viewing, seeing things at a great distance.

Harnessing the forces of nature.

The ability to enter the body of another person.

The ability to understand all languages, even the language of other creatures.

Attaining all knowledge in the cosmos.

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