Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Inculcating Virtues and Super Powers

Inculcating Virtues and Super Powers
   For nearly half a century, I have been teaching how to become a Saint. I am using the word "Saint" to mean one who has, through years of practical experience, acquired an above "normal" amount of virtue. The best technique for acquiring virtue is to name and practice by emulation or acting as if we have these virtues. A list of these virtues include Patience, Kindliness, Efficiency, Precision, Charity, Devotion, Sicerity, Courage, Forbearance, Tolerance, Discrimination and Humility. The primary reason for practicing virtue is to become virtuous, but there are other "side effects" that come with virtue. A virtuous person will also receive "Gifts of the Spirit", also known as Siddhis or Supernatural powers.
    The lower plains follow the higher ones, like iron filings on a magnet. By imagining in our mind's eye, we cause the physical to follow the image. If picturing ourselves as becoming more virtuous helps achieve that end, it follows that imagining gaining supernatural powers will also speed up the process, as long as we are motivated to be good because it is good to be good and not because it gives you more super powers.  Alas, I don't recall ever seeing a list of powers that come with sainthood or from becoming part of "Atoms" and "Molecules", so I can't list them, like I did with the virtues. What I can do is to begin compiling a list, in the hope that readers can add to it. Such a list of "super powers" would be based on reports of abilities, said to had by disciples and Masters of various forms of yoga. See if you can add to the list.

Supernatural Powers
> Abilities to heal and even raise the dead.
> Ability to prolong life for thousands of years, although not immortal.
> Ability to bilocate, be in two places at the same time.
> overcome time and space, traveling to anywhere or when in the universe.
> Can see into the hearts and minds of others.
>  Can walk on water.
> Can fly.
> Can control the weather.
> Can change bodily functions that are normally automatic, like heart rate, body temperature, etc.
> Pereives the inner workings, principles, that govern nature.
> Can teach and be understood by all, even if they speak different languages.
> Can communicate with all life forms, from the least to the greatest, even so called inorganic forms.
> High degree of skill and knowledge in many fields of art and science.
> Their words "ring true" and attract groups of Seekers of Truth.
> They live humble lives, but are often deified after their passing.
   As I said, this list is just a start, but is still an inspiration to inculcate more virtue into our lives. See if you can think of any other powers.