Patanjala Yoga and Buddhist Abhidharma on the Sources of Extraordinary Accomplishments (Siddhi and Rddhi)

Abstract

The intimate relationship between Patanjala Yoga and Buddhist contemplative traditions has attracted considerable interest in the study of Indian religion and philosophy. This is evident in the work of generations of scholars from Emile Senart and Louis de La Vallee Poussin to the present. This paper continues this comparative project with a deeper examination of the parallels and discontinuities between the representation of spiritual accomplishments or perfections (siddhi and rddhi) in the Yogasutra and Abhidharmakosa and their commentaries. In particular, I examine Patanjalayogasastra 4.1 in comparison to Abhidharmakosabhasya 7.53. These exhibit a parallel set of conceptions of siddhi and rddhi, framed within the respective Samkhya-Yoga and Abhidharma (Sarvastivada-Vaibhasika and Sautrantika) philosophical contexts. The larger discussion of rddhi in the Abhidharmakosabhasya makes otherwise opaque passages in the Patanjalayogasastra transparent, particularly with respect to the notion of the constructed mind (nirmanacitta). These verses indicate that both Patanjala Yoga and the 'Classical Sramana' traditions of Buddhism were concerned with a range of techniques of mind-body discipline (yoga) that emerged during the earlier period of Brahmanical Asceticism and Sramana traditions. These factors lead to the discussion of larger comparative and contemporary issues regarding asceticism, contemplation, and the use of psychoactive substances in India and beyond.