DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.649#0281
244 WORSHIP OP THK DEITIES, AND RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES.
the Siddhi. The book points out the obstacles met with,
and specifies the signs from which is perceived that Siddhi
will be soon obtained; it also defines its essence and
qualities.
Eight classes of Siddhi are distinguished:—
1. The power to conjure.
2. Longevity.
3. The water of life, or the remedy (amrita).
4. The discovery of hidden treasures.
5. The entering into Indra's cave.
6. The art of making gold.
7. The transformation of earth into gold.
8. The acquiring of the inappreciable jewel.
Of the highest character are the Siddhis Nos. 1, 3,
and 5; the degree of perfection to be attained is fixed
by the dignity of the man.
Those desirous of acquiring Siddhi must renounce the
vanities of life, they must strictly observe the moral law,
and confess their sins; they also must apply for an able
teacher, in order that nothing be forgotten; when they
proceed to perform the rites, they must be shaved,
washed, and cleaned. Of particular importance for the
success is the scene of their performance. It must be
a place not calculated to distract the mind by a variety
of objects more or less attractive, or by the possible
appearance of wild beasts. The most favourable spots
are those where Buddhas and Bodhisattvas or Sravakas
dwell. The place must be well l^wdpt and otherwise
cleaned, and fresh earth must be thrown upon it, in
order to make its surface even and smooth. A magical
the Siddhi. The book points out the obstacles met with,
and specifies the signs from which is perceived that Siddhi
will be soon obtained; it also defines its essence and
qualities.
Eight classes of Siddhi are distinguished:—
1. The power to conjure.
2. Longevity.
3. The water of life, or the remedy (amrita).
4. The discovery of hidden treasures.
5. The entering into Indra's cave.
6. The art of making gold.
7. The transformation of earth into gold.
8. The acquiring of the inappreciable jewel.
Of the highest character are the Siddhis Nos. 1, 3,
and 5; the degree of perfection to be attained is fixed
by the dignity of the man.
Those desirous of acquiring Siddhi must renounce the
vanities of life, they must strictly observe the moral law,
and confess their sins; they also must apply for an able
teacher, in order that nothing be forgotten; when they
proceed to perform the rites, they must be shaved,
washed, and cleaned. Of particular importance for the
success is the scene of their performance. It must be
a place not calculated to distract the mind by a variety
of objects more or less attractive, or by the possible
appearance of wild beasts. The most favourable spots
are those where Buddhas and Bodhisattvas or Sravakas
dwell. The place must be well l^wdpt and otherwise
cleaned, and fresh earth must be thrown upon it, in
order to make its surface even and smooth. A magical