You know that psychic abilities and spirituality go hand in hand. In some religions, practices like Astrology and Horoscope Readings are seen as an important part of the belief system.
But still, many religions outright condemn psychic skills as a form of Satanic power. Zen Buddhism has a different view.
In fact, those with psychic abilities were often respected by their communities. They were trusted and protected by the Buddha himself.
In this post, we’re telling you everything we know about the deep connections between Buddhism and psychics.
What Is Rddhi In Zen Buddhism?
Believe it or not, psychic powers have a pretty big place in Zen Buddhism. They’re called “Rddhi Powers,” (sometimes spelled iddhi) and they’re actually one out of six supernatural powers Buddhists believe you can have.
There are eight different Rddhi Powers within Buddhism. They are:
- The ability to duplicate yourself/your image
- Invisibility
- Travel through hard objects
- Sink into the ground
- Walk on the surface of water
- Flight
- Touch the sun and the moon with your hand
- Go to the high heavens, with the God Brahma
In stories and writings by monks on Rddhi, it is believed that there are also other powers to achieve. These powers come from practice and meditations on the four dhyana. They include:
- Telekinesis
- Clairvoyance
- Clairaudience
- The ability to travel to other realms and dimensions
- Remembering past lives
- Thought reading
There are lots of connections between psychics and zen Buddhism. In fact, it’s safe to say that psychic ability is an enormously important, and respected, part of many Buddhist practices.
The Buddha’s Thoughts On Psychic Powers
In Zen Buddhism, no one’s opinion is more valuable than the Buddha’s. And he had a lot of opinions on psychic powers and their uses.
In fact, many times the Buddha showed he had a psychic ability himself!
Still, he was very aware of how the power can be used for bad reasons. So, he advised caution to those who showed they had psychic ability.
The Buddha was aware that these powers were rare. Because they were rare, it was easy for those that had them to become arrogant. Many began to mistreat others with their powers.
He, like many psychics today, also warned his followers that many people could pretend to have powers. They didn’t really have them – they were simply taking advantage of others.
In fact, Buddha was so nervous about people being exploited by those pretending to have powers, he soon worried that people would begin acting on bad advice. This could have dangerous consequences.
So, the Buddha decided to decree that if a monk developed or possessed psychic powers, he must not use them. He also should not tell anyone about his skills and powers.
Only when he was given permission by the Sangha (high monks who attained close to Enlightenment status) could a monk use his powers.
Speaking with a psychic was seen as a privilege. It was incredibly respected. However, because of their deep powers, getting the chance to meet with one during the times of the Buddha was rare.
How And Why Do These Powers Develop In Zen Buddhism?
You’ve probably noticed in your own psychic ability, sometimes your powers are easier to take control of and understand when you relax, meditate, and clear your mind.
Since meditation is one of the most important parts of Zen Buddhism, it makes sense that Buddhists would be especially open to getting messages from the other side.
It is also easy to see how their continued meditations could lead to the development of other psychic abilities.
This is written about in several holy Buddhist books. Some of these books are the Path of Purification by Buddhaghoa, as well as the Yogas of Naropa.
The Appearance Of Spirits
In your own psychic practice, you may have seen spirits from the other side. These spirits may appear in your home.
They may appear as a part of a ritual you are doing with other psychics.
This is a something that also happens in Zen Buddhism. It has for thousands of years.
These spirits are referred to as mayko.
There are good and bad mayko. Mayko can be figures, or they can appear as strong mental experiences. Sometimes, they can even come to us in dreams.
At times, Buddhas can even take on the form of the mayko.
They come to deliver messages of enlightenment or to warn of future dangers. They can appear in many different forms.
Mayko will always find a way into your life if they have a message to deliver.
The Buddha and his followers acknowledged that sometimes, mayko are invented in the minds of people as a way to cope with stress or loss.
You may have experienced this in your life, too (usually, after a loved one dies.)
But usually, maykos come with messages that are real, and should not be ignored.
Often, they arrive after followers have been in a long state of joriki.
Joriki is a state of internal, complete stillness.
Maykos are usually good. They don’t mean to frighten people with the messages they deliver.
That’s why they often wait until exactly the right time to appear.
The Connection Between The Ancient And Modern Worlds
Psychic powers have been written about in texts that are thousands of years old. As you can see, they are still really powerful today in many religions and spiritual beliefs.
Maybe because Zen Buddhism is such an ancient religion, the ties between the past and the present are extra strong.
There are many ways to talk to the other side. You can receive messages and warnings about the future, or just clear your mind.
If you need spiritual help, or if you’re just looking for guidance, there are many qualified, powerful psychics available to help you.
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