Siddha Powers
Another term that is often used synonymously with miracles is siddha powers. When siddha powers are demonstrated by someone who possesses these powers, for most people these effects will seem quite miraculous indeed, as they are impossible to explain with the common laws of physics. Essentially, as Rama explains it, a siddha power is an intelligent application of energy, and is only a big thing for people who don’t understand what’s happening. To a remote tribe that had never seen technology, a cigarette lighter would be a small piece of miracle and its owner considered a God. To us, that lighter is no big deal. Advanced yogis have understood and been able to apply energies for thousands of years; for them miracles may be less of a big deal.
There are dozens of different siddha powers. Some of the more commonly known ones are physical healing, levitation, walking on water, or for example tummo, which is the creation of heat within the body to withstand cold temperatures. Healing can mean simply healing someone purely with energy and without the aid of drugs or surgery, or could even mean bringing someone back from death.
Although one can read about these Siddhas in mystical books, a lot of the teachings can only be found amongst the most advanced practitioners. Many of these miracles have been documented at one time or another, but with the years going by most of the findings get lost in the library archives or lose credibility.
Miraculous feats such as the ability to exist without taking food or water or even air for extended periods of time, the transmutation of elements (i.e. turning water into wine), or the ability to know about things happening in the world without seeing or hearing about them, are some of those things that the scientific establishment has always had a very difficult time explaining. On the other hand, some of the siddha powers, like the power to disappear or levitate, require a more subjective observation.
For people who are sensitive enough to observe subtle energies, there is no question that these are real, but convincing someone who is not yet sensitive enough and sees none of these things will be quite a challenge.
As Dr. Frederick Lenz says, “The most convincing miracle is the miracle of light that you see when you are with someone who is enlightened.“ When this happens, it is an incredible gift.
If given the opportunity to be with an enlightened teacher when meditating, you may see different manifestations of light. You might observe golden light, you may see the enlightened teacher disappear in the light, or you may observe the whole room becoming extremely bright.
It is actually quite rare for an advanced teacher to perform miracles or siddha powers for the amazement of others, or even for the benefit of science. These powers are not to be used for personal gain or to prove anything. True practitioners will only use their siddha powers for the spiritual advancement of a student, to align with the Dharma, and to have enlightened fun.
Reprinted or included here with permission from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism