Ashta Siddhi Qualities

Ashta Siddhis - The eight supernatural perfections

アシュタ・シッディ（八つの超常的能力）

Written by Yogi (Yogendra Puranik), PhD on 11 March 2026

インドのヨーガや精神文化の伝統には、「アシュタ・シッディ（八つの超常的能力）」と呼ばれる概念があります。これは深い修行や瞑想によって得られるとされる特別な力を象徴するものです。

代表的な八つは、①体を原子のように小さくするアニマ、②非常に軽くなるラギマ、③巨大になるマヒマ、④非常に重くなるガリマ、⑤自然界を支配する力を表すイーシットヴァ、⑥心や自然を制御するヴァシットヴァ、⑦どこへでも到達できるプラープティ、⑧望みを実現するプラーカミャです。

これらは『バガヴァタ・プラーナ』『ヨーガ・スートラ』『ヴィシュヌ・プラーナ』『シヴァ・プラーナ』など多くの古典に言及されています。

しかし、伝統的な教えでは、これらの能力は修行の副産物にすぎず、最終的な目的は超能力ではなく、自己認識と解脱（モークシャ）であるとされています。

The eight siddhis (supernatural perfections) described in Indian yogic and spiritual traditions, especially in texts related to Yoga, Tantra, and Puranic literature, are often called the “Ashta Siddhi.” They symbolize extraordinary capacities that arise from deep spiritual discipline and mastery of consciousness. Here is a short explanation of each:

1. Anima (अणिमा)

The power to become extremely small, even as tiny as an atom. It represents the ability to penetrate subtle realities and transcend physical limitations.

2. Laghima (लघिमा)

The ability to become extremely light, almost weightless. In spiritual symbolism, it suggests freedom from the heaviness of ego and material attachment.

3. Mahima (महिमा)

The power to expand infinitely or become immensely large. It reflects the realization of the vastness of the universe and unity with cosmic consciousness.

4. Garima (गरिमा)

The ability to become infinitely heavy. Symbolically, it represents immovable stability and the grounding of spiritual strength.

5. Ishitva / Ishita (ईशित्व)

The power of lordship or supreme control over nature and elements. It signifies mastery and divine authority over creation.

6. Vashitva / Vashita (वशित्व)

The ability to control or influence natural forces, minds, or beings. Spiritually, it points to mastery over one’s own senses and desires.

7. Prapti (प्राप्ति)

The power to obtain anything or reach anywhere. It symbolizes unrestricted access to knowledge, places, or objects.

8. Prakamya (प्राकाम्य)

The ability to fulfill any desire or experience anything one wishes. In deeper philosophy, it represents perfect alignment of will with cosmic order.

The Aṣṭa Siddhis (eight supernatural attainments) appear in Bhagavata Purana (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Markandeya Purana, Gheranda Samhita, and Ramcharitmanas.

The classical texts warn that siddhis are distractions (upasarga) on the path of liberation. The ultimate goal of yoga and spirituality remains self-realization and moksha, not supernatural abilities.

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