Akalpita

Akalpita

अकल्पित, akalpita

Akalpita literally translates as "non-artificial", "genuine", "natural", as well as "unlimited", "formless".

The term is often quoted by Abhinavagupta in the classic Kashmiri Shaivism text Tantraloka, for example:

akalpito gururjñeyaḥ sāṁsiddhika iti smṛtaḥ

Guru known as "akalpita" is called "naturally enlightened" in smriti. (4.51.1)

Siddhis realized in sadhana are divided into two types: kalpita and akalpita. Kalpitas are temporary siddhis, they can be obtained through the practice of mantras and pujas, even magical rituals, in many ways. Sadhaka should consider them as accompanying forces on the path to moksha, without being attached to them. Kalpita-siddhi can be gained and then lost by any person.

Akalpita-siddhis are permanent, they are possessed by yogis who have achieved liberation. They can only be realized by one who has become a real disciple and has accepted sadhana as the basis of his life. They manifest naturally as an expression of the yogi's realization of the Supreme nature and the unity of Jivatma and Paramatma.

It is not so easy to see the line between them. The difference is that kalpita-siddhis are not initially related to your realization, but moksha is primary for akalpita-siddhis.