Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Iddhi

Iddhi
 Is a Buddhist term that refers to supernormal powers. These powers are physical, as opposed to mental (knowing the minds of others, etc...). These iddhis are mentioned throughout the pali canonical scripture.

The Buddhist Pali canons describe the following as iddhi powers:
Multiplying the body into many bodies, then collapsing it into one again
Vanishing and appearing at will (invisibility)
Passing through solid objects as if through space (intangibility)
Rising and sinking in the ground as if in the water
Walking on water as if on land
Flying
Touching anything at any distance (e.g. the moon or sun)
Traveling to other worlds (like the world of Brahma) with or without the body
Teleporting

In one Buddhist scripture, it is stated that an ascetic came to Buddha and said, "I have practiced austerities for 20 years and now I can levitate across the river". Buddha replied, "Why bother when the ferry fare is only one penny?"

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