“When working with the Breath in Āsana,
it’s perhaps less appealing initially,
but ultimately more attractive, satisfactory
and effective, to integrate a Bhāvana on
the Samāpatti of Śaithilya and Ananta,
within a developmental Prāṇāyāma Sādhana,
focused towards the Siddhi of Dīrgha or Length,
supported by its counterpoint, Sūkṣma or Subtlety.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Two verse 50

“Without Āsana,
Prāṇāyāma cannot become accomplished.
Without containing Prāna,
the mind cannot achieve steadiness.”
– From T Krishnamacharya’s composition,
The Yoga Rahasya Chapter One verse 45

“The Siddhi depends on the Bhāvanam.”
– TKV Desikachar

“Often when we are talking about Yoga
we are not sure whether we are talking about Sādhana or Siddhi.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Let us go into Siddhi, here the important word is Samādhi.
Unless we are born like that, then it’s a Siddhi, Samādhi is a Siddhi.
When we are in a state of absorption in something we are in Samādhi.
After which we appreciate the object in question and understand it more clearly.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Whether Yoga is Sādhana or Siddhi?
Sādhana is the means to achieve something.
Siddhi is where something has happened.
For Siddhi to happen there has to be Sādhana, some preparation, some effort.
So how is it possible for something to be both Sādhana and Siddhi?
Each gain we make is a Siddhi.
Each Siddhi helps us to go further with Sādhana.”
–  TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Sādhana implies a process of achieving what I do not have.
Once it is achieved it is a Siddhi.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Movement from one high state of distraction to
a lesser state of distraction is also a Siddhi.
First state I am disturbed and don’t know anything.
Second state still disturbed but know why I am disturbed.
However I want to go further to a state where no disturbances.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Another important point is that these Sādhana have steps.
One can go from one Siddhi to another Siddhi.
Each step of Sādhana is also a Siddhi.
On that premise Yoga Citta Vṛtti Nirodha is at every step a Sādhana and a Siddhi.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“When Yama and Niyama accomplished they become Siddhi.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Dhyānam is considered both Sādhana and Siddhi.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Now to examine the question of putting Sādhana and Siddhi together.
In brief there are different levels of Siddhi and different possibilities of Sādhana.
How to develop the Sādhana and how to get the best out of the Sādhana and the Siddhi?
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“What you have already are Siddhi,
but you can lose them if you don’t sustain them.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Samatvam is a Siddhi.
Because it is a state already achieved.”
– TKV Desikachar France August 1983

The transmission shows the Siddhi of the Sādhana.
This is Viniyoga.
These outlines are valid whether Śikṣaṇa or Rakṣaṇa Krama.
If what is given is mechanical it is not Viniyoga.
That is why the Viniyoga spirit is very important these days.”
–  TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Union of Jīva Ātman and Parama Ātman is a Siddhi not a Sādhana when it is felt or realised.
If this is clear then Rāja Yoga is a Siddhi.
However one has to work for it in Sādhana.
Anything that takes you in this direction is a Sādhana.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Another Siddhi is Haṭha Yoga.
Instead of energy going here and there,
it is right where it should be in the top of the head.
Haṭha Yoga – Equipoise of energy.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983

“Is Yoga relevant to the West?
Question which is relevant to India as well.  Because of the changes there.
The word Yoga is integrated into its language, religion rituals etc., so it is accepted in India. But in the West there are certain problems. The word is associated with physical gymnastics or mental gymnastics. This has complicated the job of the Yoga teacher. Even in India, if you know nothing else you can always teach Yoga
One is also asked to show your Yoga.  A Yogi for some people means Svāmī, for others Siddhi, for others exercise teacher. Even the image of the Yogi is seen as important. However nowhere do the texts insist on dress or beard as part of the Yogi.
So let us look at ideas behind Yoga……”
– TKV Desikachar 1987

Links to Related Posts:

• Studying, Practicing and Learning the Tri Bandha involves Theory, Techniques and Cautions…
• The continued effort of the Breath is that which gives life……
• TKV Desikachar talks on Śraddhā in the light of the Yoga Sūtra……
• T Krishnamacharya’s accomplishments should not be defined just by his more well known characterisations……