Balasiddhi
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Balasiddhi literally means ‘power of physical strength’.
In the third chapter of "Vibhutipāda", various vibhutis or siddhis (supernatural powers) that a yogi obtains by the practice of ‘samyama’ are described. Balasiddhi is one of them. Samyama is a technical term used to indicate the triad :
- Dhāraṇā - Fixing the mind on the object of concentration
- Dhyāna - Meditation
- Samādhi - Total absorption in the object thus chosen
It is practiced on one and the same object. This samyama results in the development or manifestation of supernatural powers in the yogi. If samyama is practiced on the strength of an elephant[1] or lion or the mythical bird Garuḍa or Hanumān (the devotee of Rāma), the yogi develops a strength similar to theirs. This is called ‘balasiddhi’.
References[edit]
- ↑ Yogasutras 3.24
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore