Occultural Anthropology

Episode 61: Buddhist Magic: What is Possible with the Powers?

http://www.fallingfruit.tv/episodes/buddhist-magic-what-possible-powers

Posted March 3, 2008 Have you ever considered what it would be like to cultivate, what in the Buddhist tradition are called the siddhis or magical powers? Buddhist magic is an endlessly fascinating topic, and in this episode we speak with Daniel Ingram, one of our favorite guests here on Buddhist Geeks, about the powers.

We cover their historical treatment by some of the major traditions, including the Zen, Tibetan, and Theravada. Daniel also gives us his first-hand experience having explored the powers, and considers the implications of doing public magic, and whether or not this kind of magic is “objectively real”. We also discuss the ethical issues involved in using magic and issues of reproducibility.

Finally, we take a look at the ancient text, The Fruits of the Homeless Life, and explore what was said in that text about the powers, especially about the greatest power of all, the power of insight.

Download this episode: download mp3
Related Resources:

- InteractiveBuddha.com - Daniel’s website
- The Dharma Overground - A community-wiki run by Daniel
- Pa Auk Sayadaw
- Mahasi Sayadaw
- Other Talks with Daniel Ingram on Buddhist Geeks
- The Fruits of the Homeless Life | The Samaññaphala Sutta