साधन | A means of accomplishing something | Sādhanā

It is a practice that expresses «a means of accomplishing something,» undertaken in the process of achieving a specific spiritual goal.

Thus, a sādhaka, or practitioner, is someone who resorts to the mind and intelligence for a specific spiritual purpose. This process brings a particular type of enrichment in terms of spiritual realization, liberation from the cycle of birth and death, or pure love for God.

It is a recurring concept in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions.

Sādhanā is a spiritual or religious practice aimed at cultivating inner growth, spiritual connection, and self-realization. It can take various forms depending on the beliefs and specific practices of each tradition. In the Hindu context, sādhanā may involve the recitation of mantras, meditation, yoga practices, reading sacred scriptures, and more. In Buddhism, it can include Vipassana meditation or other forms of meditation to attain enlightenment. In Jainism, sādhanā may be linked to soul purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). In Sikhism, sādhanā can encompass meditation on the name of God (Naam Japna) and studying the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib.

Sādhanā is regarded as a serious and devoted practice, involving a deep commitment to the chosen spiritual path. It aims to transform the individual by cultivating qualities such as patience, compassion, wisdom, and divine love. Sādhanā is a path towards enlightenment and self-realization, offering the possibility to transcend the limitations of the material world and unite with the ultimate reality or universal consciousness.

Référence :

1. “Sadhana of the Heart: A Collection of Talks on Spiritual Life” par Gurumayi Chidvilasananda : Ce livre est une collection de discours sur la vie spirituelle donnés par Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, une enseignante spirituelle et leader de la tradition Siddha Yoga. Dans ce livre, elle partage des enseignements sur des sujets tels que la méditation, la dévotion, le cheminement spirituel et la pratique de la sadhana (discipline spirituelle). Le livre offre des perspectives sur la manière de vivre une vie spirituelle épanouissante et de développer une connexion intérieure.

2. “Awake: The Life of Yogananda” (2014) : Ce documentaire explore la vie de Paramahansa Yogananda, un yogi et enseignant spirituel indien qui a contribué à populariser le yoga et la méditation dans l’Occident. Le film retrace son voyage spirituel, sa rencontre avec des personnalités influentes et sa quête de la réalisation de soi. “Awake” met en évidence son impact sur la spiritualité mondiale et son approche de la pratique spirituelle et de la Sādhanā.