Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.15.4-5
Mukti· LiberationAll Mystic Powers Originate in Kṛṣṇa
“Among the eight primary mystic perfections, the three by which one transforms one’s own body are aṇimā, becoming smaller than the smallest; mahimā, becoming greater than the greatest; and laghimā, becoming lighter than the lightest. Through the perfection of prāpti one acquires whatever one desires, and through prākāmya-siddhi one experiences any enjoyable object, either in this world or the next. Through īśitā-siddhi one can manipulate the subpotencies of māyā, and through the controlling potency called vaśitā-siddhi one is unimpeded by the three modes of nature. One who has acquired kāmāvasāyitā-siddhi can obtain anything from anywhere, to the highest possible limit. My dear gentle Uddhava, these eight mystic perfections are considered to be naturally existing and unexcelled within this world.”
What the purport teaches
- Aṇimā, mahimā and laghimā change the body’s size or lightness. Prāpti grants acquisition, while prākāmya allows one to experience enjoyable objects in this world or the next.
- Īśitā manipulates the material subpotencies of māyā; vaśitā grants control or freedom from the control of the three modes. Kāmāvasāyitā brings the maximum powers of control, acquisition and enjoyment.
- These eight potencies naturally exist in the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, in the highest degree. A yogī’s powers are insignificant expansions of the Lord’s mystic potency.
Try this today
Choose one of these powers and reread how the purport describes its fullness in Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
How does knowing the source of mystic powers change my appreciation of Kṛṣṇa?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.