“Samyama explains the disciplines necessary both to live in the natural grace of yoga, and to accrue supernatural powers, or siddhis”
– B.K.S Iyengar
In the third Pada of the Yoga Sutras, the Vibhuti Pada, the sage Patanjali speaks of the art and discipline of Yogic integration.
This takes place through the dedicated practice of the the inner limbs of the eightfold path – the meditative trinity of samyama:
- Concentration (Dharana)
- Meditation (Dhyana)
- Meditative Absorption (Samadhi).
For the seasoned practitioner of Yoga, antaranga sadhana (the inner limbs of practice) comprise a true gem of Yoga, critical in guiding you towards the Sacred realm within.
Once you deepen your practice according to the map given by the Sage Patanjali, extraordinary abilities and attainments incidentally unfold.
And yet these siddhis still must be treated with a humble understanding, as well as detachment, in order to not create unnecessary afflictions within your mind and heart. The siddhis are merely signposts of successful practice, and yet not the ultimate goal of inner freedom (kaivalya).
During this third and final semester of Vidya Institute’s Advanced Philosophy Immersion Program we will engage in a specific study and categorization of the various unique siddhis which are laid out within the second half of the Vibhuti Pada.
Each extraordinary ability will be studied in relationship with its corresponding meditative sadhana designed to cultivate its development.
During our monthly weekend workshop we will further emphasize the study of the sutras and siddhis which hold the greatest relevance for us as Iyengar Yoga Practitioners and meditators. For the first time ever in the 20 year history of Vidya Institute, we will approach a supreme level of specificity in learning the specific siddhis, as well as understanding their unique natures and the meditation practices which manifest them.
