Sadhana

Teachings of Swami Indrananda Ji

Continuing the Series – Shirley Davies

This is a transcript of a talk given by Shirleyji at satsang in January.

Are you doing yoga or being yoga?

If you had to describe Swami Indrananda Ji in one or two words how you would describe him?

The answer is definitely a Yogi.

True yoga involves Sadhana.

Sadhana should be life changing and life affirming. In order for it to be so we need to understand the true meaning of the term sadhana. We all know it to be spiritual practice for self-development; perhaps to understand the difference between our thoughts which are ego based actions and our true self, our true nature. If asked to explain the components of your sadhana perhaps you would say something like the following:

Asana for body conditioning

Pranayama to control the prana and bring energy

Relaxation and meditation for deep rest and peace

Contemplation, introspection and study may also be part of your practice depending on your level of involvement.

As our ability and understanding progress so does our sadhana. It is only sadhana where there is focus otherwise it’s only going through the motions. When there is focus, attention on a single practice, we find ourselves descending into stillness. That stillness is not a refraining type of stillness but rather an excursion deep within ourselves, so deep that we meet an energy of power. That power is beyond anything of our flesh, our emotions or our minds. An energy so pure and so powerful that an indescribable peace emanates. Then we arrive at a point of nothingness; wanting nothing, doing nothing, being nothing full stop, still.

The yogis could only find one word to describe this condition which was ‘neti neti’ which means ‘not this, not this’. For in that nothingness there is a sense of being complete. Totally complete, totally still, at peace perhaps even love. Once you have glimpsed this you will never forget it even if you forget the circumstances surrounding the original link that you have, it goes so deep within you that it keeps calling you, calling you home and that’s what brings us back more and more to our practice, to our sadhana.

Sadhana is not only in our yoga practices but is worship, worship of the divine both within ourselves and in all. It becomes a sacred expression not only in the time we spend on our mats but in our daily lives. Without sadhana our lives would be shallow and empty, with it even the smallest insignificant thing can touch us on a very deep level. A level that has a connection to the whole of creation to which we belong.

For each of us sadhana will have a different perspective, they are all valid and all true. Only collectively can we give a definition of sadhana. It is usually accepted as a definition of a yoga practice however when does that practice stop, when are we not actually yogis? Can we think of our life as actually being sadhana? Can every thought, motive, be part of it? Yes even the less desirable parts for they too have a great ability to teach us. And what are we striving for in our sadhana; what are we grasping for? That makes our practice a little like chasing happiness. Neither sadhana nor happiness are our destinations they are both part of the wonderful journey. Consistent effort brings us to a place of stillness, a place of worship, a place of prayer and this place cannot be found outside of us, only inside.

As the stillness inside expands we merge with the all, the essence of love. The all-encompassing expression of the sacred which is us.

So next time you find yourself on your mat please consider your sadhana as prayer, as worship. Let us experience the practice we undertake in an attitude of prayer; something holy, divine and precious, then only can it be truly life changing.

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih OM