Patanjali, a revered sage and the great teacher of Yoga, has meticulously outlined in his Yoga Sutras the pathway to attaining various siddhis, or supernatural powers, through dedicated practice. These siddhis are extraordinary capabilities that manifest as a result of deep meditation and the disciplined application of mental and spiritual practices. Among these remarkable abilities is antardhanatva, the power of invisibility.
The Concept of Samyama
To understand antardhanatva, it is essential to comprehend the concept of samyama. Samyama is a profound meditative practice that combines three key stages of yoga:
- Dharana (Concentration): This involves fixing the mind on a particular object or point of focus. It is the initial step where the yogi gathers all mental energies and directs them towards a single purpose.
- Dhyana (Meditation): In this stage, the concentration evolves into a continuous and uninterrupted flow of awareness towards the chosen object. The yogi maintains a steady stream of focus without distraction.
- Samadhi (Union or Superconscious Experience): This is the culmination of dharana and dhyana, where the yogi experiences a profound state of union with the object of meditation, transcending ordinary consciousness.
Samyama, therefore, is the integration of these three practices, leading to a heightened state of awareness and the unlocking of extraordinary abilities.
Achieving Antardhanatva
According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (3.21), when a yogi practices samyama specifically on the inherent capacity of their own body to be perceived by others, they can achieve antardhanatva, or invisibility. This involves a deep level of control over one's physical form and its interactions with the surrounding environment.
Mechanism of Antardhanatva:
- Focus on Perception: The yogi directs their focus towards understanding and manipulating how their body is perceived by others. This requires a profound awareness of the senses and the mechanisms of perception.
- Control of Bodily Functions: By mastering the control over the body's functions and their interaction with light and other sensory inputs, the yogi can alter or arrest these functions, making the body imperceptible.
- Transcending Physical Boundaries: Through the heightened state of samadhi, the yogi transcends ordinary physical limitations, accessing a state where the normal rules of perception no longer apply.
Philosophical and Practical Implications
The attainment of antardhanatva is not merely a display of supernatural power but is deeply rooted in the philosophical and spiritual traditions of yoga. It signifies a yogi's mastery over their own mind and body, reflecting a profound level of self-control and understanding.
Spiritual Growth:
- Detachment: The ability to become invisible symbolizes a yogi's detachment from the physical form and ego, indicating a higher level of spiritual evolution.
- Unity with the Universe: Achieving such siddhis is often viewed as a step towards realizing the interconnectedness of all existence and the illusory nature of the material world.
Ethical Considerations:
- Responsibility: Possessing such powers requires a high degree of ethical responsibility. The use of siddhis should align with dharma (moral duty) and the greater good.
- Humility: True yogis are often cautioned against using these powers for personal gain or to feed the ego, as this can lead to spiritual downfall.
Antardhanatva, or the power to become invisible, as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, is a testament to the incredible potential of the human mind and spirit when honed through disciplined practice. It represents not only a miraculous ability but also a profound level of spiritual attainment. Through the practice of samyama, yogis can unlock such powers, reflecting their mastery over the mind, body, and the fundamental principles of perception and existence.