At some point you will hear your teachers talking about sadhana relative to your yoga practice. Or you will feel called to deepen in some way. The same stretching and movements you have been doing may not be meeting your needs and your inner calling may be asking for something more...
What is Sadhana?
Sādhanā सा धना (Saa-Dha-aah) is a spiritual practice or a spiritual awakening practice.
It includes a variety of disciplines from Vedic and non- Vedic sources. A Sādhaka is a spiritual aspirant. A Sadhaka skillfully establishes technique, discipline and regularity for spiritual knowledge or self-connection.Different than attending a weekly class, sadhana establishes us as deep students of yoga. It is what makes yoga a 'lifestyle' rather than a weekly class.
Why do we need sadhana as yoga students?
Sadhana, or consistent spiritual practice, is essential for yoga students because it helps cultivate discipline, deepen self-awareness, and foster inner transformation. Through sadhana, we can align with our goals for our body, mind, and spirit, while overcoming mental distractions and emotional turbulence. It strengthens our connection to the present moment, enhances our ability to navigate life's challenges with equanimity, and ultimately leads to self-realization and peace. Regular practice allows us to integrate the teachings of yoga into our daily lives, bringing clarity, balance, and harmony.
Patanjali calls the mental chatter “vrittis” or disturbances of the mind. He describes yoga as the cesssation of mental noise, suggesting that there is a way to quiten the noise we all struggle with:
yogaścittavr̥ttinirodhaḥ
Yoga (yogaḥ) is inhibition (nirodhaḥ) of modifications/ all mental processes
(vṛtti) of mind (citta). Y.S.1:2
Maharishi Patanjali offers a way through life’s challenges and provides a pathway towards peace of mind with a guide or roadmap to help aspirants relieve suffering while steadfastly realizing ourselves as whole and complete consciousness known as Purusha /Consciousness /
Wholeness / Awareness). We call realizing Awareness as the awakening journey. Sadhana facilitates this awakening.
The key aspects of sadhana
abhyāsa-vairāgya-ābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ
abhyāsa (steady practice) and Vairagya (dispassion/detachment) stop the modifications of
the mind Y.S.1.12
Thankfully, Patanjali lets us know what is needed to quiet the mind. He lists Abhyasa (steady consistent action) and vairagya (unattachment to objects) as the key aspects of slowing down the disturbances of the mind. Patanjali encourages students to wholeheartedly stay consistent in effort and sustain their committed towards their goals as well as to not be consumed with the distractions of the material world. According to Patanjali, this is the way to make your life will become hectic, as your vrittis (mental chatter) will soften, leading to peace of mind and awareness.
What should we choose for our sadhana?
What you choose to do for sadhana is a personal exploration and commitment to this awakening
process; we choose practices that are nurturing and supportive of your life. When creating your own home practice, it should be in alignment with the goals of yoga: to still the mind. A simple
calm practice that builds focus yields better results than an active exciting stimulating practice. Some examples are meditation and concentration practices, asana, pranayama etc. Work with your teacher to find the way that is right for you.
What are the core elements of sadhana
tapaḥsvādhyāyaĪśvarapraṇidhānānikriyāyogaḥ
Known as Kriya Yoga, or the “yoga of method,” includes tapas (austerities),
svadhyaya (study) and ishvara Pranidhana (surrender) Y.S.2.1
Patanjali outlines "kriya yoga" Tapas (austerities, challenge or discomfort); Svadyaya (study of the Self through text and recitation); and Ishvaraq Pranidhana (Devotion to an ideal or to wholeness) as the ingredients or method in your sadhana. Note, he isn't telling you what to do, but suggesting what your inner attitude should be like in order to establish a spiritual. Your practice should push you a little and make you uncomfortable (tapas): ie. maybe to wake up early or tolerate a chilly morning. Your practice should involve engagement with self-knowledge and sacred texts (svadhyaya). ie. study a page a day from a sacred text. You should have faith and positive approach in your practice (Ishvara Pranidhana): ie: share gratitude to your heart/ the divine / your own self-effort for showing up. Growth comes from a little bit of challenge and your ability to tolerate it. No change is possible if we are seeking comfort. Be ok with challenge (not harm), inquiring within and with a growth mindsetso your practice can flourish.
The Method: what turns a yoga class into sadhana?
satudīrghakālanairantaryasatkāra-ādara-āsevitodr̥̥ḍhabhūmiḥ Y.S.1.14
You practice will flourish when you come to it with three simple steps:
Practice without interruption . This means consistency or discipline known as abhyasa. Discipline is not authoritative, but a loving commitment to yourself . Swami sivananda said: “ whatever you do, do not miss a single day of meditation“ If you do have a daily practice, keep with it, even if it’s for a few minutes.
Practice for a long period of time. That means years to make this part of your life. Patanjali’s yoga is not a quick-fix. And is in stark opposition to the western wellness world that promises quick results and fast turnarounds - it’s a gentle soft progression over time that is individual, noting that practice evolves and changes over the stages of life.
Mindset / reverence: Practice with loving positivity and hopefulness. This means having a growth mindset and supportive outlook towards what you are doing on the mat and in life. it’s a loving devotion to your own wholeness. We practice out of love for ourselves, not hatred. It’s in contrast to the workout mindself of desiring to change out bodies because we don’t like what we see. Instead, in yoga we practice out of love to know who we are and connect with ourselves deeply.
If you have an asana practice that you are starting to put together. Practice it with reverence and consistency - take time off from your busy schedules, ideally at the same time in your routine every day. As hard as it is, try not to miss your practice, even if it is very light and easy on some days.
The hatha yoga immersion is a special program that helps students develop and sustain yoga sadhana. Over 6 months of specialized content, 1:1 and group mentorship and unique classes you will gain the ability to deepen in your practice in powerful ways.
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