Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.18.19
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesMystic Powers Are Natural on Higher Planets
“After this, the inhabitants of Siddhaloka, as well as the inhabitants of Vidyādhara-loka, transformed the great sage Kapila into a calf, and making the whole sky into a pot, they milked out specific yogic mystic powers, beginning with aṇimā. Indeed, the inhabitants of Vidyādhara-loka acquired the art of flying in the sky.”
What the purport teaches
- The inhabitants of Siddhaloka and Vidyādhara-loka made Kapila into a calf and the sky into a pot. They milked mystic powers, including aṇimā and the ability to fly.
- These inhabitants are naturally endowed with powers that yogīs on this planet attain through regular, progressive practice. Flying without a vehicle is commonplace in Vidyādhara-loka.
- Kapila Muni expounded the Sāṅkhya philosophical system. His father, Kardama Muni, was a great mystic who made a vast airplane and traveled through the universes with Devahūti.
Try this today
Note one power described here and whether the purport presents it as natural, acquired through practice, or both.
Ask yourself
How does the contrast between natural abilities and acquired powers broaden my understanding of this account?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.