Siddhis are simply for display and nothing more. They do not make for liberation.
"Siddhis" refer to extraordinary psychic powers or
abilities attained through yogic or meditative practices in various spiritual
traditions, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These powers
include abilities like levitation, telepathy, clairvoyance, and so on.
The statement you provided suggests a perspective often
found in spiritual teachings, emphasizing that while siddhis can be impressive
and captivating, they do not necessarily lead to true spiritual liberation or
enlightenment. In many spiritual traditions, the ultimate goal is not to
acquire supernatural abilities, but rather to attain a deep understanding of
the nature of reality, self-awareness, and liberation from the cycle of
suffering (samsara).
Some reasons why siddhis may not lead to liberation include:
- Distraction from the true path: Focusing on acquiring siddhis can divert practitioners from the deeper spiritual work of self-inquiry, ethical living, and inner transformation.
- Ego reinforcement: Siddhis can bolster the ego, leading to pride, attachment, and further entanglement in the illusion of separateness.
- Transient nature: Siddhis are considered by many traditions to be impermanent and ultimately illusory, thus incapable of providing lasting fulfillment or liberation.
- Karmic implications: Misuse or attachment to siddhis can create karmic consequences that hinder spiritual progress rather than facilitate it.
Therefore, while siddhis may be fascinating and even useful
in certain contexts, they are not seen as the ultimate aim of spiritual
practice. Instead, the focus is often on inner growth, self-realization, and
the cultivation of qualities like compassion, wisdom, and equanimity.