The extraordinary powers arise from birth, herbs, mantras, austerity, or samādhi.

The Kaivalya Pāda begins by acknowledging the various sources of siddhis, the supranormal powers. Patañjali enumerates five possible origins:

Janma refers to innate powers brought from previous lives as a result of prior practices.

Auṣadhi are plant substances that alter consciousness. Though they may produce experiences, they do not lead to true liberation.

Mantra is sacred repetition that transforms the mind and awakens latent faculties.

Tapas is the ardent discipline that purifies and reveals hidden capacities.

Samādhi is the highest source: powers emerging from meditative absorption are the purest and most stable.

Only the siddhis born of samādhi genuinely contribute to the path toward kaivalya.