Iddhi

iddhi is a Buddhist term which refers to supernormal powers. These powers are physical, as opposed to mental (knowing the minds of others, etc...). It is also referred to as iddhipatihariya, literally meaning "power of transformation". These iddhis are mentioned throughout the pali canonical scripture.
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Iddhi (Pali) [from the verbal root sidh to succeed, attain an objective, reach accomplishment] Equivalent to the Sanskrit siddhi, used to signify the powers or attributes of perfection: powers of various kinds, spiritual and intellectual as well as astral and physical, acquired through training, discipline, initiation, and individual holiness. In Buddhism it is generally rendered "occult power." There are two classes of iddhis, the higher of which, according to the Digha-Nikaya and other Buddhist works, are eight in number:
1) the power to project mind-made images of oneself;
2) to become invisible;
3) to pass through solid things, such as a wall;
4) to penetrate solid ground as if it were water;
5) to walk on water;
6) to fly through the air;
7) to touch sun and moon; and
8) to ascend into the highest heavens.
The same work represents the Buddha as saying: "It is because I see danger in the practice of these mystic wonders that I loathe and abhor and am ashamed thereof" (1:213) -- a true statement although iddhis are powers of the most desirable kind when pertaining to the higher nature, for they are of spiritual, intellectual, and higher psychical character. It is only when iddhis or siddhis are limited to the meaning of the gross astral psychic attributes that the Buddha properly condemns them as being dangerous always, and to the ambitious and selfish person extremely perilous. Further, it was an offense against the regulations of the Brotherhood (Samgha) for any member to display any powers before the laity.
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