First thing first — the spiritual Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) rejects Karaamat and their conscious display of them for they are a violation of the Hukam — they are waste of time and of no value to a seeker.

All miracles (Karamaat-ਕਰਾਮਾਤ...) are illusion, the dictum of senses confined to time and space. Many bogus among the so called Baabaas, Pandits, priest, astrologers, Saadhoos, Yogis, Swamis, Sidhaas etc. consciously display such powers for insignificant things like impressing upon unsuspecting people for making new disciples and followers, amassing money, gaining fame and honor, securing material welfare and comforts of life, gaining recognition, seeking people's appreciation and attention, etc.

However, the life of such mean, deluded, Moodha or rascals is no different than a prostitute: They sell their body and mindl just as a whore does! As it will become more clear in the following pages, so long one consciously and selfishly exercises supernatural powers to produce miracles, that person cannot and will not transcend Maya (illusion, duality etc.). Such person is sure to ruin himself as well as his followers.

• ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਸਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥: Ridhi sidhi sabhu mohu hai Naamu na basai mani aai: Ridhi Sidhi (magical powers) are all worldly attachments; through them, Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) does not come to abide in the mind (sggs 593).

Religion or Spirituality is not meant to perform weird tricks or miracles. The only purpose of religion or Spirituality is to kill the false ego-sense (or Haumai) and stay clear from the rule of the senses. The true spirit of religion, thus, urges man to raise his Spiritual, moral, and ethical standard so that he can practice Dharma or Virtues in life. As we can see, the intention of religion is not to make us sorcerer, magicians or Madaaree! The Gurbani (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) thunders:

• ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖਾਣੁ ਸਭੁ ਬਾਦਿ ਹੈ ਧਿਗੁ ਸਿਧੀ ਧਿਗੁ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ॥: Binu Naavai painanu khaanu sabhu baadi hai dhigu sidhee dhigu karamaati: Without the Naam, all dress and eating are worthless; (without the Naam) accursed are all Sidhee and Karaamaat (sggs 650).
• ਨਾਉ ਸਦਾਏ ਆਪਣਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਿਧੁ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥ ਜਾ ਪਤਿ ਲੇਖੈ ਨਾ ਪਵੈ ਸਭਾ ਪੂਜ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥੨॥ : A person may adopt a lofty name, and be known to have supernatural spiritual powers - even so, if he has not realized the Divine within, then all his glorifications are dispicable. ||2|| (sggs 17).  

What is occult power? Also known as Sidhis, Ashvarayas, Tant Mant (tantar mantar or tantra mantra), miraculous powers, spiritual powers, supernatural powers, magical powers, psychic powers, super sensory phenomena, extrasensory perceptions etc. are in fact divine powers which can be manifested by any living being who has obtained mastery over the forces of the creation or nature through special training and practice of certain substance or Mantraas.

Sidhis - supernatural powers - are said to be eighteen in number. Of them, the eight are known as major and the remaining are considered minor. The eight principle Sidhis are as follows: the power to assume form as small as atom (Anima), as large as mountain (Mahimaa), as light in weight as air (Laghimaa), and as heavy in weight as the Earth (Grimaa); the power to attain anything desired (Praapati), to bring all senses under one's control (Vasitva), to have unhampered will (Prakaamaya), and the lordliness (Isha). The minor Sidhis are namely the power to be immune from hunger and thirst (Anooram), to hear from afar (Door Sharavan), to see from afar (Door Darshan), to travel fast like thought (Manoveg), to assume any desired form (Kaamroop), to enter into another's body (Parkaayi Parvesh), to die at one's own will (Sai Maritayaa), to enjoy meeting with gods (Surkareeraa), the fulfillment of desires (Sankalap Sidhi), and to go anywhere unobstructed (Apratihat Gat).

But, the mind of a Gurmukh (an Enlightened Mind) is beyond all this circus of the deluded mind.

In reality, occultists act only out of deeply deluded egocentric false convictions and self-serving ambitions for material enjoyment. So long one consciously practices occult powers, he cannot conquer Maya and unite with his Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...). It is Maya that begets egoism. Thus, all psychic Sidhis are of great danger to the Spiritual aspirants. They are empty of Spiritual vibrations and have nothing to do with Spiritual-realization. Consequently, their practice is in direct contradiction with the Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature).

In other words, before Mool-Abidance, the practice or development of occult powers is among the greatest obstacles on the Way to linking with one's Mool within (Source, Jot...). The reason being is that it further inflates egotism (Haumai), and rebels against unconditional surrender of all falsehood. To make us aware of this grave danger, in the very outset of the SGGS, Baabaa Nanak in Japuji Sahib indicates all Mayaic Ridhi Sidhi to be "Avaraa Saad" (lower or inferior in comparison to the Lord's Taste, hindrance, misleading...).

• ਆਪਿ ਨਾਥੁ ਨਾਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ ॥: Aapi naathu naathee sabh jaake ridhi sidhi avraa saad: (O Yogi!) The Divine is supreme (Universal Energy, System of Nature…) whose (Hukam) controls all; (these Mayaic) Ridhi Sidhi or magical powers are all inferior tastes. (sggs 6).

Nothing can exist by itself. The Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...) is the sustainer and giver of all powers since they all exist in Him. Since all powers emanate from the Divine, they are also divine.

• ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਅਸਟ ਦਸਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਕਰ ਤਲ ਤਾ ਕੇ ॥੧॥: The four Padarath, the eighteen supernatural spiritual powers of the Siddhas, and the nine treasures, are all in the palm of (the Divine's) Hand. ||1|| (sggs 658).

However, when these powers fall in the hands of occultist or selfish and greedy people, they bring nothing but miseries to all involved. Such people have been around since time immemorial. For example, the ancient epics like Mahabharta and Ramayana etc. exhibit numerous stories relating to occult practices. Many Biblical and Arabian stories relate to supernatural powers. Also, there are concocted Saakhees or stories of Baabaa Nanak indicating his encounters with occultists.

Even today, occultism in India is widely practiced, particularly in villages. Many people of deluded intellect practice some Spirituality for the sole purpose of gaining witchcraft, sorcery or occult powers - evil magic, black magic, tantar mantar etc. - to earn wealth, win lawsuits in court, acquire property, bring downfall of others, inflict misery on innocent people, kill living beings, destroy which is virtuous and holy, promise children (particularly son!) to women, walk on water, fly objects in the air, predicts future events, to be-witch to whom we love, gain objects of desire, cure sickness, and other petty exhibitions of selfishness, foolishness, and delusion.

• ਕਿਨਹੀ ਸਿਧ ਬਹੁ ਚੇਟਕ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਥਾਟ ਬਨਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਤੰਤ ਮੰਤ ਬਹੁ ਖੇਵਾ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਧਾਰਾ ॥੪॥: Some work spells using the miraculous spiritual powers of the Siddhas. Some wear various religious robes and establish their authority. Some perform Tantric spells, and chant various mantras. (But) I meek have support of the Lord’s Name (i.e., I only do His Bhagti)||4|| (sggs 913).

Although the aspects may be somewhat different, however, the practice of occult powers is no less prevalent in the West. In fact people in the West desire a conscious display of powers as well as training and instructions for their attainment. For example, Vatican (Catholic headquarters) does not recognize, beatify or declare any of its missionary as a "saint" unless a miracle can be attributed to him or her; and then that miracle must be approved by the members of the saint-making department known as the Congregation for the Causes of Saints! How strange! The Bible indicates that, whenever there was an astonishing event in his presence, Jesus did not want anyone to know about it. For example, he gave a stern warning to a leper after he was healed: "See that you don't tell anyone..." (Mat 8:3 and Mar1:44). Thus Jesus was apparently not only very reluctant to making any astonishing event, but he was also impatient with anyone awed by it.

In the view of Spiritual hypocrisy, it is of no surprise to see so many cheaters in the garb of so called Indian and Eastern Yogis, Taantric and mystics pullulating all over India as well the West. They have made the mockery of the sacred science of Yoga. The word "Yoga" comes from the root "Yuj", meaning "Join". So, Yoga means the joining of the false ego (I-ness and my-ness) to the Supreme Self (Mool) within. Today's so called Yoga practice — which involves various sense pleasures, make-show practice of gymnastic like feats, indulging in sex and intoxication — are contradictory to the Yoga's principles. Since many of the so called Yogis are simply attracted to the occult powers (byproducts of Yoga or devotion), they or their disciples will not and cannot attain the stage of Spiritual Perfection.

The the Gurbani boldly declare that the conscious practice to display miraculous powers is mean, foolish, poisonous, dangerous, wicked, miserable, spiritual blindness, mental delusion, material slavery, and spiritual imperfection. For this reason, they all tell us that by acquiring one of the Sidhis one may add a little to his power, but he will not be able to realize the Truth.

• ਸਿਧੁ ਹੋਵਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਲਾਈ ਰਿਧਿ ਆਖਾ ਆਉ ॥ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ਬੈਸਾ ਲੋਕੁ ਰਾਖੈ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਮਤੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਉ ॥੩॥: Sidhu hovaa sidhi laayee ridhi aakhaa aayu. Gupatu pargatu hoyi besaa loku raakhai bhaayu. Matu dekhi bhoolaa veesrai teraa chiti na aavai naayu ||3||: (O God) if I were a Sidha capable of miracles and summon mystical powers, and appear and disappear at will, so that people would hold me in awe. (All these are useless, because, I'm afraid) seeing these, I might go astray and forget You (O Divine!), and Your Naam would not enter into my mind. ||3|| (sggs 14).
• Riddhi siddhi prerai bahu bhayee. Buddhihi lobha dikhavahim ayee. Kal bal chhal kari jaahin sameepaa. Anchal baat bujhaavahi deepaa.....Kahiya taata so parama viragee. Trina sama siddhi teeni guna tyagee: O Brother, Ridhis and Sidhis entice man by showing greed to his mind. They use their cleverness, strength, and deception to make friend with him; and then destroy his wisdom. He is the greatest Vairaagee, or detached, who has renounced them (Tulsi Ramayan).
• The most wise ones say that those who are engaged in the cultivation of the sublime path of Bhakti (Devotion) or Giaan (Self-knowledge), and who are trying to link with Me (i.e., God), for them all these Sidhis are obstacle; because of these Sidhis, they end up uselessly wasting there time (Bhaagvata 11.15.33).
• These powers are obstacles to the highest spiritual realization (Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 3-37).
• There should be entire rejection of all allurements from all forms of being, even the celestial, for the recurrence of evil contacts remains possible (Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 3-51).
• If however a man consciously attempts to display Sidhis he will receive only kicks (Sri Raman Maharshi).
• He who attempts to perform miracles has not understood the Tathagata (Buddha).

Thus, even though the practice of occult powers is disapproved by the Gurbani and others, still in the fit of rage many Sikhs, Hindus and others alike indulge in it either directly or indirectly by paying an outside occultist or sorcerer. How foolish!

The seekers can be divided into two types: (1) the truly Spiritual Beings (the Enlightened or Gurmukh Mindsets), and (2) the seekers of occult powers, etc. (the Manmukh, Saakat, Mayadhaaree).

To attain Spiritual Perfection or true success, a genuine seeker uplifts himself from sensory consciousness (Mayaic intellect...) to divine Consciousness. By his true love and Bhagti, the full spectrum of spiritual powers over mind and matter in time become manifest as he gradually sheds his coverings of delusion. However, the true Spiritual Being (the Enlightened or Gurmukh Mindset) disregards all inferior powers for the Supreme Power. On the other hand, the seeker of occult powers (Manmukh) discards the Supreme Power for the inferior occult powers and thus loses his way. Hence, the attainment of mastery over phenomenal creation bound in the framework of time and space is not a goal of the Spiritually Wise.

• ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜਾਚਹਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਜਾਚਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਜੈਕਾਰ ॥ ਜੈਸੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਹੋਇ ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤੈਸੋ ਜਲੁ ਦੇਵਹਿ ਪਰਕਾਰ ॥੬॥: Sidh samaadhi antar jaachih ridhi sidhi jaach i kare jaikaar. Jaisee piyas hoyi mann antar tiaso jal devahi parkaar||6||: The Siddhas in Samaadhi beg for Ridhi Sidhi, and proclaim His victory. As is the thirst (desires or cravings) within their minds, so is the water which (the Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature) gives to them. ||6|| (sggs 504).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਤਰੀਐ ਸਚ ਸੁਧੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਰ ਅਪਸਰ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਰਵਿਰਤਿ ਨਰਵਿਰਤਿ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤਾਰੇ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੩੧॥: Gurmukh ashat sidhee sabh budhee....: By becoming the Gurmukh, (one) crosses over the Bhavajal, and obtains the true understanding. The spirituality of the Shabad provides Enlightenment on Auspiciousness and Inauspiciousness (pertaining to the creation). The spirituality of the Shabad provides Enlightenment related to embracing and renouncing creation. By becoming the Gurmukh, (one) crosses over (Bhavjal), and carries others across (Bhavjal) as well. O Nanak! By becoimg the Gurmukh, (one) emancipates (others) through the Shabad (Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad...). ||31|| (sggs 941).

The rise of false ego-sense (or Haumai) is the birth of man and his limited mind. Since occult powers are the functions of the wandering mind, they are limited to the realm of the mental delusion only. On the other hand, the Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...) is beyond the reach of the body, fickle mind and intellect. Seen thusly, the miraculous powers are not natural to man's Original Nature (Joti Saroop) at all. Anything that is not natural is impermanent. Since the occult powers are acquired, and as they depend upon the mind for their existence, they cannot be permanent, hence not worth striving for. Accordingly, the Gurbani teaches us to only strive for that which is most intimate and Eternal.

• ਸਿਧੁ ਕਹਾਵਉ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਬੁਲਾਵਉ ॥ ਤਾਜ ਕੁਲਹ ਸਿਰਿ ਛਤ੍ਰੁ ਬਨਾਵਉ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ਕਹਾ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਵਉ ॥੬॥: Sidh kahaavayu ridhi sidhi bulaavayu. Taaj kulah sir chhattar banaavayu. Bin Jagdees kahaa sukh paavayu||6||: He may be called a Siddha, a man of spiritual perfection, and he may summon Ridhi and Sidhi; he may place a crown upon his head, and carry a royal umbrella; but without realizing the Creator Withing, where can the Creator be found? ||6|| (sggs 225).

Impermanent things cannot give permanent happiness. However, due to mental concoctions, man thinks that by increasing his powers he may be more happy. No, say the Gurbani. On the contrary, with the expansion of one's powers, his misery increases proportionately and thus becomes more wretched in the process! A wise knows that the body and wealth are impermanent. Therefore, he does not go such troubles as acquiring occult powers for their sake.

The mind of an occultist is like a shameless, wandering street-dog. Occult powers are gained only by those who are full of worldly desires and fear. Those who are tainted with ignorance, acquire these powers for the sole purpose of sense-gratification. Thus, occult powers come to those who specifically seek them. These powers are in no way indication of one's Spiritual Progress; because supernatural faculties can be developed even by those who are devoid of any wisdom. It is like a person who never enjoyed power and riches become impatient for them!

• ਪੂਜ ਲਗੈ ਪੀਰੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਉ ਸਦਾਏ ਆਪਣਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਿਧੁ ਸੁਮਾਰੁ ॥ ਜਾ ਪਤਿ ਲੇਖੈ ਨਾ ਪਵੈ ਸਭਾ ਪੂਜ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥੨॥: Pooj lagai pir aakheeyai sabh milai sansaar. Naayu sadaye aapnaa hovai sidh sumaar. Jaa pat lekhai na pavai sbhaa poojaa khuyaar ||2||: You may be worshipped and adored as a Pir (a spiritual teacher); you may be welcomed by all the world; you may adopt a lofty name, and be known to have supernatural powers—even so, if you have not realized the Creator within, then all this adoration is false. ||2|| (sggs 17).

Death of the conditioned mind through the Shabad-Vichaar is the birth of the Spiritual Wisdom. Since the psychic powers are limited to and consciously displayed by the imperfect or untrained mind, the Gurbani teaches Sikhs (learners, seekers) to avoid their temptations; for they are hindrance to one's Spiritual Unfoldment. Therefore, all inferior powers do not interest the man of Spiritual Wisdom for he is perfectly content in himself. As Wisdom is the greatest gain, the man of such Wisdom is free from the least desire for anything.

In fact, there is nothing so wonderful or extraordinary about the attainment of occult powers. To make the point, here is a parable. Once, an Enlightened being was standing at the river-shore; waiting for the boat to go across the river. Meanwhile, a Yogi approached him and asked: "Why are you standing here, Sir?" The Holy Man humbly replied: "I am waiting for the boat to take me across the river". The Yogi sarcastically laughed at him and said: "Don't you know how to walk on the water?" "No, Sir", said the Holy Man. "You don't even know how to walk on the water, what kind of Holy Man are you?", inquired the Yogi. Before the Holy Man said anything, the Yogi jumped into the river and started walking on the water. To make a big show of his inflated ego, he traversed the river in every direction. Meantime the boat showed up. Before embarking on the boat, the Holy Man asked Yogi as to how long it took him to master this supernatural feat. "Twenty years", pompously replied the Yogi. The Holy Man asked: "Dear Yogi, tell me how much the boat costs to go cross the river". "Five pennies", replied the Yogi. "That means you earned only five pennies in twenty years!" Saying this the Holy Man left!

• ਜੇਹੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਤੇਹਾ ਤਿਨ ਰਾਹੁ ॥ : Jehee surit tehaa tin raah: As is (beings') awareness, so is (their) way (sggs 25).
• ਜੈਸਾ ਸੇਵੈ ਤੈਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੪॥: Jaisaa sevai taiso hoi ||4||: one becomes just like the One he serves (as one thinks, so he becomes). ||4|| (sggs 223).
• ਜੇਹੀ ਮਨਸਾ ਕਰਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਤੇਹਾ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਏ ॥: Jehee mansaa kar laagai tehaa phal paaye: As are the expections one harbors when he serves the Satguru, so are the rewards one receives (as is the aspiration, so is the reward). (sggs 116).
• ਏਕ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਜੇਹਾ ਭਾਉ ਤੇਹਾ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥: Ek nadar kar vekhai sabh oopar jehaa bhaaou tehaa phal paaeeai: (The Satguru) looks alike upon all, but we receive the fruits according to our own motives (ਭਾਵਨਾ, ਨੀਅਤ, etc.) (sggs 602).
• "One day a man approached a Sufi Man of Light, Abu Said (1049 AD), and expressed his sense of amazement and bewilderment at having seen someone walking on water, flying in the air and moving about from one place to another in an instant. Abu Said said that in this was nothing marvelous since ducks also swim on the water, birds fly in the air and Satan is able to move from the east to the west in an instant. He paused and said: "The things which really matter are not those things. Such things are of no value and consequence. The man who should deserve your honor and respect is the man who, in spite of everything, is in the sunshine of society, having social dealings with others, partaking in their joys and sorrows, marrying and giving in marriage and never thinking of withdrawing from the world but still not unmindful of the remembrance of God even for a single moment.""

The person of Spiritual Wisdom is indifferent to psychic powers, while the deluded person considers them desirable! Therefore, it is when there is a partial awakening or partial spiritual immaturity that one enjoys occult powers. However, the one who is intent on the cultivation of Self-knowledge is always keen to avoid their temptation. He knows that the person who attains various occult powers through certain practices or boons is subject to ignorance and bondage.

The nature of the spiritually ignorant is the absence of equanimity. Equanimity is seeing unity in diversity. In the absence of equanimity, the universe is seen to be diverse. When the common factor, the All-pervading Presence, is seen in all objects, the duality departs and the equality in the pairs of "likes and dislikes" spontaneously follows. An Enlightened being possesses such equanimity. Such Enlightened one has purity of mind and absence of craving. He is devoid of confusion, doubt, fear, delusion and sensual desires. The evil qualities such as lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment, pride, stubborn mindedness and enviousness are greatly weakened in him. After maintaining a pure Sahaj (Natural state of being mind's state of Wisdom), when he comes back into the mind, he may realize that he has had some extrasensory perceptions, but he does not use them consciously. He does not dwell on such powers as anything special.

• ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬਿੰਦੈ ਤਿਸ ਦਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਤੁ ਰਹੈ ਏਕ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਨਵ ਨਿਧੀ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਸਿਧੀ ਪਿਛੈ ਲਗੀਆ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸਦਾ ਵਸਾਇ ॥: Braham bindai tis daa braham mat rahe ek Shabad liv laaye...: One who knows God, and who lovingly focuses his attention on the One Shabad, keeps his spirituality intact. One who always keeps theCreatro enshrined in his heart, he does not care for nine treasures of the world and the eighteen spiritual powers of Siddhas. (sggs 649).

Thus, occultism is intriguing to ignorance, therefore, only people of small intellect seek them. All these powers are mechanism of the mind which is restless like a ghost. When one gets fascinated with the phenomena of occultism of the mind, then he loses the power to bring others along the path into Spirituality. For a trifle of money, honor and fame, such people ruin themselves and others.

• ਜੋਗ ਸਿਧ ਆਸਣ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਏ ਭੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥ ਵਡੀ ਆਰਜਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜਨਮੈ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਗਹਿਆ ॥੬॥: Yoga sidh aasan chauraasee ye bhee kar kar rahiyaa. Vadee aarjaa phir phir janmai Hari siyu sang na gahiyaa ||6||: (Man) practices the eighty-four postures of Yoga Sidh, but he gets tired of practicing these. He lives a long life, but is reincarnated again and again; he has not met with God  ||6|| (sggs 642).

Occult powers unfailingly increase the fire of pride that rots the mind.It makes one forget his Original Nature (Joti-Saaroop). The Gurbani asks us not to want occultism; for it leads us away from the mental purity, which is of paramount importance for Mool-Abidance. All sorts of psychic phenomena result in lowering of the consciousness. Consequently, the seeker is led away from the goal, and next thing he knows he has lost the way. We cannot afford that. The Creator cannot be realized within if we possess even one of the occult powers. Since supernatural powers are fetters, a genuine devotee never asks for them.

The mind exists as long as there is curiosity of mundane objects. Occult powers, for example, is the result of this material curiosity of the mind (i.e., "filth"). It is said that this curiosity of worldly things is the last thing to leave the mind, which it does after Mool-Abidance, leaving the mind free from all contamination.

• ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਸੋਇ ॥: Aap pachhanai man nirmal hoye. Jivanmukta har paavai soye: Who recognizes own self, (his) mind becomes pure. He is liberated in this life and realizes the Creator. (sggs 161).

Actually, a person can have psychic powers just with the concentration of the mind without any mental purity. However, without mental purity, he cannot have Mool-realization! Accordingly, the Gurbani teaches us to shun them ruthlessly as they try to manifest in the mind. They are absolutely useless; for they only mislead seekers and cause their downfall.

Once the seeker becomes firmly established in Spiritual Wisdom, then all spiritual powers wait for him with outstretched hands. He cannot lose his way or have a downfall then; because he never misuses these powers. Since actions of true Sidhaas or Enlightened beings are devoid of false ego-sense or selfishness, their Spiritual energies or powers and actions spontaneously (Sahaj) work for the betterment of the entire mankind — to take people closer to God. They never use them for their selfish ends, display or exhibitionism.

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਉਲਟੀ ਭਈ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਖਰਚਿਉ ਖਾਉ ॥ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਸਿਧੀ ਪਿਛੈ ਲਗੀਆ ਫਿਰਨਿ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਜ ਥਾਇ ॥: Satgur miliyai ultee bhayee nav nidh kharchiyu khaayi ..: Meeting the Satguru, I am totally transformed; I have obtained the nine treasures to use and consume. The eighteen Siddhee follow in my footsteps; I dwell in my own home, within my own self (sggs 91).

How can one avoid the spell of occult powers? The superior power of the Gur-Shabad or Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) is the antidote to all inferior or negative powers. An Enlightened being is above and beyond the influence of Sidhis or Ridhis, thus immune from their effects, temptation or spell. On the contrary, everything affects or sticks on a contaminated mind. The antidote to a venom from a snakebite is the venom that comes from the same snake! Similarly, as declared by the scriptures, the occult powers (snakebite) as well as the power of the Gu- Shabad or Naam (antidote) also come from the same Original Source. As such, the magic spell of the Gur-Shabad or Naam is said to be the antidote to the magic spell of super sensory phenomena or omens. For it to be truly effective, however, the scriptures advise us for an early preparation — build raft before flood, or dig out well before fire!

• ਸਗੁਨ ਅਪਸਗੁਨ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਲਗਹਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਚੀਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥: Sagun apsagun tis kayu lagahi jis chit na aavai: Good omens and bad omens affect those who do not keep (the Gur: Giaan or Wisdom) in the mind (sggs 401).
• ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਜੋ ਜਨੁ ਜਪੈ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਸਦ ਜਾਗੈ ॥ ਤੰਤੁ ਮੰਤੁ ਨਹ ਜੋਹਈ ਤਿਤੁ ਚਾਖੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Raam Naam jo jan japai andin sad jaagai. Tant mant nah johayee tit chaakh na laagai||!||Rahaaou||: That humble being who internalizes the divine Naam, remains always Awake and Aware. He is not affected by any charms and spells, nor is he harmed by any evil intentions. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 817-818).
• ਤੰਤੁ ਮੰਤੁ ਪਾਖੰਡੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥: Tant mant paakhand na jaanaa Raam ridai mann maaniaa: I know nothing of ‘Paakhand’ of Tantric spells and magical mantras (witchcraft, ਜਾਦੂ-ਟੂਣਾ…); I have enshrined Raam (-Naam: Wisdom, Truth…) within my Heart, my mind is pleased with That. (sggs 766).
• ਰਾਮ ਕਵਚੁ ਦਾਸ ਕਾ ਸੰਨਾਹੁ ॥ ਦੂਤ ਦੁਸਟ ਤਿਸੁ ਪੋਹਤ ਨਾਹਿ ॥: Raam kavach daas kaa sannah. Doot dust tis pohat naahi: God's Naam is like the protective armor of His devotee. No vices or Bikaar can even touch him (sggs 868).

The greater Enlightenment and Peace is possible without the Sidhis than with them. However, as repeatedly pointed out in the Gurbani, the ways of Spirituality are very subtle, hence most difficult and melancholic. To lure the devotee into darkness, away from the spiritual life, the mind's curiosity as well as temptations of Ridhis and Sidhis are there every step of the way.

• ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਚਾਲ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥ ਚਾਲਾ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ਭਗਤਾਹ ਕੇਰੀ ਬਿਖਮ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਚਲਣਾ ॥ ਲਬੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਤਜਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਬੋਲਣਾ ॥ ਖੰਨਿਅਹੁ ਤਿਖੀ ਵਾਲਹੁ ਨਿਕੀ ਏਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਜਾਣਾ ॥: The lifestyle of Bhagat (Daas, Jan , Gurmukh…) is unique (extraordinary…). The lifestyle of Bhagat is Unique, for they follow the most difficult Way of life. (That is, they reform themselves by) renouncing greed, avarice, pride, desire and excessive talkativeness etc. This Way of life they take is sharper than a two-edged sword, and finer than a hair (i.e., very difficult). (sggs 918).

A thread that has the smallest fiber sticking out cannot pass through the eye of a needle! Similarly, one cannot fully realize the Mool within if he has even a least trace of egoism, bondage, material craving, fear, and sensual desires to enjoy Ridhis and Sidhis. Therefore, a true seeker prays:

• ਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲਾਰੇ ॥: (O Prabhoo, I) neither desire for empire (Bhugati or materiality) nor liberation (Mukti); (my) mind longs for the love of your lotus feet (Virtues, Wisdom, Naam, Hukam…). (sggs 534).
• ਹਰਿ ਹਾਰੁ ਕੰਠਿ ਜਿਨੀ ਪਹਿਰਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਤਿਨਾ ਪਿਛੈ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਫਿਰੈ ਓਨਾ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਤਮਾਇ ॥੪॥: Those who always remember the Creatror (Virtues) by focusing their consciousness on the Guru's Wisdom - worldly wealth and supernatural spiritual powers follow them, but they do not care for such things at all. ||4|| (sggs 26).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਉਲਟੀ ਭਈ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਖਰਚਿਉ ਖਾਉ ॥ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਸਿਧੀ ਪਿਛੈ ਲਗੀਆ ਫਿਰਨਿ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਜ ਥਾਇ ॥: Realizing the Satigur, one's intellect is totally transformed and one feels as if one has obtained all the wealth one could ever need. The Siddhis-the eighteen supernatural spiritual powers follow one; (but this person does not care for these) and always remains stable in the mind. (sggs 91).

— T. Singh
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