Significance of Sadhana
Sadhana is a term used across various spiritual traditions, signifying a disciplined practice or technique aimed at achieving specific spiritual goals or realizations. In Buddhism, it encompasses meditation and rituals leading to enlightenment, while in Hinduism, it involves practices such as devotion and personal growth. Jainism emphasizes Sadhana as spiritual exercises for enlightenment, and in Tibetan Buddhism, it includes various spiritual procedures aimed at personal spiritual achievements. Overall, Sadhana is a crucial aspect across these traditions, reflecting the commitment to spiritual advancement and realization.
Synonyms: Spiritual practice, Discipline, Meditation, Devotion, Worship, Ritual, Yoga, Self-discipline, Practice, Training, Exercise
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sadhana'
Sadhana in Buddhism encompasses a range of spiritual practices and rituals aimed at achieving specific goals, particularly in Tantric Buddhism, contributing to personal development and realization of enlightenment.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Spiritual practices or disciplines aimed at achieving specific spiritual goals, referenced in the context of the excellent mahapurusha's teachings.[1] (2) Practices and manuals composed by sgam po pa aimed at guiding practitioners through the stages of meditative attainment.[2] (3) A spiritual practice or technique, often involving rituals and meditations aimed at achieving a particular goal, such as enlightenment.[3] (4) A spiritual practice or ritual that may involve specific meditations and offerings to deities.[4] (5) A practice or spiritual exercise leading to enlightenment, often involving meditation and specific rituals.[5]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Spiritual practices or disciplines aimed at achieving specific goals, such as enlightenment or deeper understanding.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The practices or disciplines that the bodhisattva undertakes to cultivate positive qualities.[7] (2) This term is typically associated with practices in Buddhism aimed at spiritual development, though it isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided text, it is relevant in understanding the context.[8]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Spiritual practices or rituals in Tibetan Buddhism that often include the recitation of the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum.[9]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The spiritual practices leading towards the realization of the Dharma and enlightenment.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Refers to the practice of spiritual attainment, particularly in the context of Buddhist meditation and ethical conduct.[11]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) Sadhana means the practice or method through which followers preserve and fulfill the teachings of the Buddha.[12]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving specific goals or realizations.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Sadhana'
Sadhana in Hinduism encompasses a range of spiritual practices designed to cultivate devotion, self-discipline, and enlightenment. It refers to the disciplined efforts undertaken to deepen one's connection with the divine and attain spiritual goals.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Spiritual practices that result in devotees experiencing the eternal associates, holy abodes, and Deities of Shri Krishna.[14] (2) devotional practices that one engages in to progress spiritually and attain higher realms[15] (3) the spiritual practices or discipline pursued by a devotee to attain spiritual goals[16] (4) the means of achieving spiritual goals, often linked to the practice of chanting names.[17] (5) A reference to the practices or efforts made by devotees in the context of attaining their goals.[18]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Spiritual practices undertaken in raganuga-bhakti, including the five kinds recognized in the text, that aim to develop one's devotional sentiments.[19] (2) The process of spiritual practice that facilitates the realization of one's transcendental identity.[20] (3) The practice of chanting the holy name (Shri nama-sankirtana), which is integral to spiritual development.[21] (4) The spiritual practice undertaken by devotees to attain realization and bliss through devotion.[22] (5) The spiritual practices undertaken by seekers to attain higher states of consciousness or devotion.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Spiritual practices aimed at achieving personal spiritual goals.[24] (2) Spiritual practice intended to help individuals achieve a connection with the divine.[25] (3) The practices and disciplines undertaken by devotees to achieve their spiritual goals, particularly in the context of bhakti.[26] (4) Spiritual practices or disciplines followed to achieve a particular goal, particularly in the context of jnanis and yogis.[27] (5) The practice of spiritual disciplines and rituals aimed at achieving spiritual progress and goals in devotional life.[28]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The disciplined practice or action taken by a devotee to cultivate their devotion and deepen their relationship with the divine.[29] (2) The stage of practice and effort in spiritual development leading towards realization.[30] (3) Spiritual practice aimed at achieving a refined state of devotion and developing a personal relationship with Krishna.[31] (4) The spiritual practice undertaken by devotees to achieve perfection in their service to Shri Krishna.[32] (5) Spiritual practice aimed at attaining a deeper connection to the divine.[33]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The disciplined practice and devotion that leads individuals towards the realization of the divine.[34] (2) A spiritual practice or discipline that involves efforts to achieve a goal, particularly in the context of personal development.[35] (3) Refers to the practices or disciplines undertaken to achieve spiritual goals, emphasizing their necessity in the path of devotion.[36] (4) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving spiritual goals.[37] (5) Spiritual practices or disciplines aimed at achieving various spiritual goals, whose effectiveness is questioned when practiced in multitude.[38]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The spiritual practice that signifies the means by which devotees strive for union with the divine.[39]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The practice of spiritual discipline that culminates in the recitation of prayers.[40]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Means of achieving spiritual objectives or enlightenment in Hindu philosophy.[41] (2) The practice of spiritual exercises that Yajnavalkya engaged in to attain Siddhi and divine knowledge.[42] (3) The spiritual practice involved in the worship and adoration of deities, filled with rituals and details specific to Vishnu worship.[43] (4) Spiritual practices including rituals, chants, and offerings aimed at attaining spiritual goals or divine favor.[44] (5) The spiritual practice through which devotees strive for results such as liberation, fulfillment, and blessings.[45]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The spiritual practices including rituals and worship aimed at attaining spiritual goals and pleases the deities.[46] (2) The practice of spiritual discipline aimed at achieving a connection with the divine, often involving prayer, meditation, and rituals.[47] (3) Spiritual practices or disciplines undertaken to achieve spiritual goals or enlightenment.[48] (4) The spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving a particular spiritual goal, such as success or divine grace.[49] (5) The practice of meditation and worship aimed at attaining higher states of consciousness or spiritual realization.[50]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The disciplined practice or methodology in the pursuit of spiritual goals, particularly in Hindu and yogic traditions.[51] (2) The practice of spiritual disciplines and devotion that leads to purification and rare realizations.[52] (3) Spiritual practices and austerities undertaken by the siblings in pursuit of realization.[53] (4) Spiritual practice aimed at achieving self-realization and the knowledge of the atman through devotion and discipline.[54] (5) Spiritual practices or disciplines that prepare the individual to receive and understand the teachings of the Bhagavata Purana.[55]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Spiritual practices or disciplines that contribute to attaining virtues and perfection in one's life.[56] (2) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving self-realization and connection with the divine.[57] (3) Practices or efforts undertaken for spiritual or material success, emphasized in the context of the narrative.[58] (4) Spiritual practice aimed at attaining ultimate realization and connection with the divine.[59] (5) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving a specific goal, particularly in the pursuit of self-realization or union with the divine.[60]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Spiritual practice aimed at achieving a specific goal or realization.[61] (2) Spiritual practice undertaken to achieve specific goals or deepen understanding and connection to the divine, often involving meditation, prayer, or rituals.[62] (3) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving religious goals or enlightenment.[63]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Spiritual practice intended to achieve specific goals, especially relevant in the context of performing rites after the mother's death.[64] (2) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving spiritual goals, often led by a preceptor.[65] (3) Aspirants created by Brahma through meditation on Shiva and his consort Amba.[66]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Disciplined spiritual practice aimed at achieving specific spiritual goals or realization.[67] (2) The act of penance performed by Raivata on Sumeru mountain; part of the royal activities.[68]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The practice or discipline followed to achieve spiritual goals.[69] (2) The aspirational practice or discipline that contributes to spiritual growth, implicitly referenced in the call for a preceptor.[70]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The spiritual practice or discipline aimed at realizing divine consciousness and connection with the goddess.[71] (2) A spiritual discipline or practice aimed at achieving enlightenment or ultimate truth.[72]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Spiritual practices or disciplines performed to achieve specific goals or attain enlightenment, particularly manifested during the Treta Yuga.[73] (2) The process of spiritual practice, particularly in achieving specific goals or enlightenment.[74]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Practice or discipline that leads to spiritual enlightenment and knowledge.[75]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The rigorous spiritual practice that Aurva guided Sagara's wives to undergo in order to bear children.[76]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Spiritual practices aimed at achieving liberation and self-realization.[77]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The practice or efforts directed towards achieving spiritual goals through the control of the mind and body.[78]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving specific goals in the quest for liberation.[79] (2) The practice or discipline that leads to spiritual liberation, discussed within the context of Akshara-Purushottama philosophy.[80] (3) Sadhana refers to the spiritual practices or efforts undertaken by devotees seeking to attain the highest spiritual goal of unity with God.[81] (4) The disciplined practice of spiritual exercises or paths aimed at achieving personal and spiritual goals.[82] (5) The spiritual practice or personal endeavor aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of liberation.[83]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The dedicated practice or discipline that contributes to the development and realization of Knowledge.[84] (2) A disciplined practice or spiritual exercise followed by yogis to achieve spiritual goals and liberation.[85]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The spiritual practices undertaken to attain higher knowledge and realization of self.[86] (2) The disciplined practice of meditation and inquiry necessary to achieve realization of Brahman as the ultimate goal.[87]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Spiritual practice or discipline undertaken by yogins to cultivate and purify the mind.[88] (2) Spiritual practices undertaken to achieve spiritual goals, particularly related to sannyasa.[89]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) Spiritual practices aimed at cultivating devotion and achieving higher states of consciousness.[90] (2) Spiritual practices or disciplines aimed at achieving enlightenment or realization.[91]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Spiritual practice or discipline that leads to the attainment of higher knowledge or realization.[92]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The term used here for the means or practices through which spiritual attainment is pursued.[93]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Sadhana denotes the spiritual practice needed to realize the unity of the self with the Supreme Brahman.[94] (2) The spiritual practices or disciplines undertaken to achieve higher consciousness or liberation.[95] (3) The practice or discipline performed by Sadhakas, including Sarvanandanatha, to achieve spiritual goals or enlightenment.[96] (4) Spiritual practice or discipline, particularly those aimed at preparing the mind and body for higher states of consciousness.[97] (5) A spiritual practice mentioned in the text meant to achieve deeper understanding or realization through meditation or rituals.[98]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The means or methods employed by the self to achieve a desired end or fruit.[99] (2) A term which means practice or method but is noted to be used separately in this text, indicating a different focus.[100] (3) Initially presented as a distinct power from the things it resides in, this term later indicates a power that is not separate from the thing itself.[101] (4) Means or accessory in the context of actions, suggesting that the universal is utilized to carry out commands or prohibitions.[102] (5) A term referring to power; however, in this context, it also signifies a broader meaning beyond mere power.[103]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Spiritual practices and disciplines aimed at promoting personal growth, enlightenment, and the attainment of Nirvana within Buddhism.[104] (2) The process of practice in Yoga that includes the cultivation of single-minded focus and meditation to progress towards higher states of awareness.[105] (3) The practice undertaken not just for years but over lifetimes to attain spiritual realization and moksha.[106] (4) The practice or means of spiritual discipline leading to personal growth and the attainment of yoga's goals.[107] (5) Spiritual practice aimed at achieving a particular goal, often requiring a pure and healthy body and mind.[108]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Refers to the spiritual practice or discipline undertaken by a practitioner to achieve union with the divine.[109] (2) Specific practices one undertakes in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and accomplishment, particularly in Yoga.[110] (3) The practices and disciplines undertaken by a practitioner to achieve spiritual goals and unity with divine energy.[111]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The practice or discipline followed by yogis to attain spiritual goals, encompassing various techniques and meditations.[112]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The disciplined practice and spiritual exercise aimed at attaining a deeper connection with the divine.[113]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The practices or disciplines undertaken on the path to self-realization and attainment of knowledge in the context of Kashmir Shaivism.[114] (2) The disciplined practice or spiritual endeavor aimed at achieving enlightenment and union with the divine.[115] (3) The practice of worshipping in respect to the devotee, emphasized by Abhinavagupta.[116] (4) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving spiritual goals, including liberation.[117]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The continuous practice of spiritual exercises, including chanting and rituals, to achieve higher understanding.[118] (2) Spiritual practices, which include rituals and meditation, aimed at purifying the self and attaining divine grace.[119]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Spiritual practice leading to realization, particularly in the context of Tantric rituals aimed at divine invocation.[120]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) The technique through which a dramatis personae or character performs actions, influenced by their culture and tradition.[121] (2) Sadhana refers to the technique or method utilized by the dramatist in employing the Vasantatilaka meter for various sentiments.[122]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The Reason or Probans in the argument.[123] (2) The inferential indicative or Hetu utilized in logical reasoning.[124]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The systematic performance of spiritual practices, including sacrifice and prayer, conducted during the study rituals.[125]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Spiritual practice or observance that may be imposed or given up by the student.[126]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) Practice of worship and rituals as outlined in the Agamas to connect devotees with the divine.[127]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The practice or discipline aimed at achieving spiritual goals, often emphasized in contexts of worship, knowledge acquisition, and personal growth.[128]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Spiritual practice that includes the methodologies and techniques used by the devotee to connect with the divine.[129]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The logical reason supporting the sadhya, specifically that sharp arrows fall wherever the glances of women fall.[130]
Jain concept of 'Sadhana'
In Jainism, Sadhana signifies the disciplined spiritual practices undertaken by Mahavira, which guided him on his journey to enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of dedication and self-discipline in spiritual development.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The disciplined practice of spiritual exercises that the Venerable Mahavira embraced on his path to enlightenment.[131]
The concept of Sadhana in local and regional sources
Sadhana encompasses spiritual practices and disciplines across various traditions such as Tantric, Buddhist, and Baul, focusing on self-realization, enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the divine, emphasizing dedication and personal growth throughout.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving self-realization and connecting with the deeper aspects of existence.[132] (2) Spiritual practice aimed at achieving self-realization and proximity to the divine, often through chanting or meditation.[133] (3) The spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving spiritual goals, often discussed in the context of yoga and meditation.[134] (4) A spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving personal transformation or enlightenment.[135] (5) A term referring to spiritual practice or discipline, which Tagore emphasized throughout his writings to attain a deeper understanding and connection with life.[136]
From: Folk Tradition of Bengal (and Rabindranath Tagore)
(1) A period during which Rabindranath Tagore engaged in spiritual practices and came into contact with various Bauls, including Lalon Fakir.[137] (2) Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving enlightenment or connection with the divine.[138] (3) The practice of spiritual discipline in Baul philosophy, which emphasizes the search for the divine within and through music.[139] (4) Deep meditation or spiritual practice that Bauls engage in to achieve their artistic goals.[140] (5) A spiritual practice or discipline aimed at personal growth and the realization of self, particularly in the context of Baul traditions.[141]
The concept of Sadhana in scientific sources
Sadhana is a disciplined practice embraced by yogis for achieving spiritual goals, often through Yoga. It encompasses historic meditation techniques and is also relevant in Ayurveda for managing dhatu conditions.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Techniques and practices in Ayurveda, particularly regarding dietary and lifestyle corrections aimed at managing Amlapitta.[142] (2) Sadhana refers to the treatment outcome related to the chronicity and severity of the disease Amavata, influencing treatment approaches.[143] (3) Sadhana refers to the instrument or method through which individuals can achieve their aspirations, particularly emphasizing the role of Sadhaka Pitta in this process.[144] (4) Practices specified in yoga or Ayurvedic treatments that contribute to the alleviation of neck-related ailments by enhancing physical health and wellness.[145]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) A term indicating the practice of effort or methods in Ayurveda that can relate to treatments or management of dhatu conditions.[146] (2) Sadhana refers to the disciplined practice undertaken by yogis to reach spiritual goals through methods like Yoga.[147] (3) A disciplined practice or spiritual exercise that was historically used in meditation contexts.[148]