Divya

Divya

दिव्य, divya

Translated as "divine", "possessing divine nature", "heavenly". It is used as a prefix-epithet to give a concept a superior status.

One of the three types of character of a practitioner in tantra is divya-bhava, the other two are pashu-bhava and vira-bhava. The divya-bhava level is ascetics of the utmost purity of energy and motivation, they are characterized by the qualities of siddhas and gods. It is believed that simple communication with them can lead to a spiritual path. The very presence of such a sadhaka becomes an education: even if he is not talking about spiritual practice, people have a deep interest in sadhana. He is able to convey essential knowledge precisely in the form that will be accessible to the perception of a single person.

The concept occurs in the description of the japa practice, during which the feeling of unity with the revered deity develops through a subtle perception called "divya-chakshu" (divine vision). To this leads the comprehension that mantra is recited not so much by speech or mentally, but comes from the very heart in which the Ishta-devata resides.

Among the Nathas, "divya" is mentioned in the context of kaya-sadhana, as a result of which a sadhaka acquires a perfect body — divya-deha. "Siddha-siddhanta paddhati" says that a yogi reveals the state of "the same taste" (samarasya) in his body, he learns the unity of the micro- and macrocosm, without losing the eternal connection of his own soul with God and the world.

In yoga, one can also find references to supernatural abilities, one of which is divya-drishti, clairvoyance. It is believed that it opens to a yogi who selflessly follows the path of brahmacharya, in a state of non-duality.