Often, in spiritual or yoga practices, it is said that "it is better not to seek abilities." However, I believe this is often misinterpreted.

A common interpretation is that "seeking abilities hinders spiritual growth." For example, seeking abilities like clairvoyance, telepathy, or precognition can become a hindrance, slowing down progress. While there is some logic to this, it likely originates from a passage in the Yoga Sutras. It is said that only those who do not seek abilities can reach the highest Purusha (equivalent to Brahman in Vedanta, the ultimate self).

In many yoga traditions, the idea of not seeking abilities has become a dogma, and speaking about abilities is often seen as something to be avoided. Some spiritual traditions, influenced by this, also tend to follow this approach.

People who talk about abilities are often seen as being at a lower level.

Furthermore, the conventional interpretation of the Yoga Sutras states that "using abilities is a waste of energy," leading to the belief that abilities not only hinder growth but are also wasteful.

While this interpretation has its own validity and logic, I believe the true meaning is slightly different.

The idea of "not seeking abilities" is intended for those who have already reached a certain level of spiritual development, as using lower-level manifestations of abilities might lower their vibration. It is not particularly relevant to those who have not yet reached that level.

In simpler terms, it doesn't apply to those who don't yet possess significant abilities.

However, for some reason, in yoga and spiritual traditions, even those who have not yet developed significant abilities are told that "talking about abilities hinders growth," and discussing specific abilities can create an atmosphere where such conversations are discouraged.

Indeed, there is a valid point that comparing abilities can lead to a sense of superiority, which can become ego and hinder growth.

However, it is necessary to have a certain understanding of one's own abilities, just as it is necessary to understand how to move one's limbs. Spiritual abilities are like the body of one's higher self, so why should there be hesitation in moving one's own body?

Furthermore, energetically, while commentators on the Yoga Sutras say that using abilities is a "waste of energy," in reality, the physical body consumes far more energy. For example, simply looking at something with the naked eye consumes a significant amount of energy, whereas using the third eye consumes far less energy. Therefore, it might be more energy-efficient to live with one's eyes closed (although I cannot do that).

In manga and novels, characters with abilities often live with their eyes closed or wear blindfolds. While these are fictional, they often reflect the reality that using the physical eyes consumes energy, and avoiding that can be more energy-efficient.

The Indian tendency of "it is better not to seek abilities" is often not a purely spiritual concept, but rather refers to abilities that can influence the physical world, such as those considered "physical mediums." In that case, the idea of wasting energy becomes understandable. Creating objects or moving them, or seeking material gain in the present world, are considered lower-level activities for those who have already reached a certain spiritual level. It is like trying to reacquire something one has already graduated from, which can lead to a descent in the spiritual path.

However, since we live with physical bodies, we cannot be completely detached from material and worldly activities. Therefore, the best approach is to be careful not to fall back and to use abilities in a way that is energetically efficient and does not cause a decline in the spiritual path.

During the process of spiritual growth, there are often opportunities to study or practice abilities in spiritual schools. This is like learning how to move one's limbs, and it is certainly not a waste of energy; it is a meaningful activity.