Spiritual power

Question

After practicing Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau Technique and Shambhavi Mudra for few months, I have noticed that a lot of what I think gets manifested. It feels like my will power has increased to such a level that I can order the universe to do something. Is it normal? Why is this happening ? Is this a siddhi? How do I prevent myself from becoming a negative force?

—Siddharth Kumar, India

Answer

Dear Siddharth,

Thank you for writing to us. I wouldn’t say that “most” meditators report that “a lot of what I think gets manifested” but I can say that, in fact, this is what will happen, at least in time and with depth of meditation practice. (How quickly depends on the intensity of effort and one’s own karma.)

I would, however, be very careful that your ego not usurp such powers to itself and “order the universe to do” your bidding! Patanjali and great rishis down the ages warn us of being tempted to use siddhis for egoic enlargement!

The way to prevent the ego from taking over is by devotion to God and guru(s). God alone is the true reality. From God comes all strength and power. All that is good, powerful, joyful, successful, loving (etc.) is a manifestation of God.

Humility is not necessarily the answer, but self-forgetfulness. See God as the Doer, the underlying intelligence and force in all things that you do. Give to God the credit for any ability you might manifest. Offer to God all your actions that they be in tune with the Divine Will.

If you wish to be rid of karma and not create more karma, practice “nishkam karma:” action without desire for the results (“the fruits”). This is one of the core teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.

It should be no surprise that concentrating the mind and awakening the inner energies of prana (life force) should result in the power to manifest. Spiritual power, unlike material success or power, is real because it comes from our true soul-nature. But for that reason, one must be careful and give back to God in self-offering and surrender any such manifestation of divine presence.

Blessings and joy to you!
Nayaswami Hriman
Seattle WA USA