Sadhana
Self-Transformation Through Spiritual Effort§
Through devotion, meditation, scriptural study, austerity, pilgrimage and other practices, we develop character, gain control over the instincts and bring forth the innate purity and perfection of our soul.§
EDUCATIONAL INSIGHT§
Spiritual life can be likened to climbing a mountain. Each experience offers opportunities to progress toward the peak, which represents illumination and union with the Divinity that lies within us. The inner climb to that spiritual summit depends, like earthy mountain climbing, on rigorously applying proven methods, called sadhana in Sanskrit.§
Sadhana refers to disciplines undertaken to reach a specific spiritual goal—steady and persevering practice of a method or exercise prescribed for spiritual ends. Of course, goals vary widely among the different Hindu traditions. Wikipedia’s explanation of sadhana’s goals highlights that diversity: “enlightenment, pure love of God, liberation from the cycle of birth and death, or a particular goal such as the blessings of a Deity, as in the bhakti traditions.” ¶The idea of employing various means of spiritual accomplishment and thereby moving closer to the goal of God realization is appealing to all devout Hindus. On the other hand, the demands of modern life—work, school and commute time—give many the sense that there is not enough time to fit spiritual practice into an already overly busy schedule. Many pilgrims to our monastery confide to me they are caught in this dilemma. My advice is to establish a daily vigil, even if it is just 15 minutes, preferably in the morning, before you are caught up in your day. Try it for two weeks and see how it works out. Make it a habit, an appointment with yourself. Those who establish a daily vigil find that it makes them more efficient, more centered, more patient, more content and more productive. So it is time well spent! Once a strong habit is established, it becomes not only easy, but the day’s most important appointment. The nature of your sadhana routine is up to you and your guru. It is your island of quiet, a time to worship the Divine, perform puja, do yoga, study scripture and get in touch with your innate Divinity. And, like anything else, the more effort you put into your vigil and the more consistent you are, the greater the benefits will be.§