Sadhana: Daily practice

The ancient sages have devised many systems in order to assist the spiritual evolution of the embodied living beings to achieve ultimate liberation and pure devotion. These include philosophical expositions, allegorical stories, complex visualizations, mental exercises, mantras, prayers, breath control, and bodily postures. However, in order to achieve any long-lasting benefit from these practices, a simple daily practice formula must be maintained.

In the modern world this has proven to be difficult for many to achieve so it is best to start with a Daily routine that is simple, time efficient, and achievable. More importantly, a routine that nourishes your mind, body, and Self, and promotes a sense of well-being, vitality, and an uplifted consciousness.

The wise always begin their day by eliminating waste and cleansing the teeth, tongue, and body. Cold showers are best to revitalize and strengthen the nervous system; hot showers ensure a higher cleanliness but should be combined with oil massage to prevent drying up the skin.

After this, a short meditation on Guru, lineage, and chosen deity should be done to attune oneself with the higher reality and goal, and bring the mind to a higher vibration, casting off the ignorance of sleep.

The highest aspect of sadhana or daily routine is the recitation of mantras, this should be done at a specific time with knowledge of the meaning, purpose, and deity of the mantra encoded to the mind permanently, so that it may be accessed during recitation without the need of any references such as books, or media devices. A set number of repetitions should be done daily and should be achievable under the most pressing of circumstances. A quota that is too high to maintain benefits no one and therefore a careful consideration of the seekers own capacity should be considered when this quota is decided.

Chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra is considered to be highly effective and supremely powerful in the age of Kali-yuga and because it has no formal rules or even need for strict initiation it is suitable for all.

 “Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare”.

It is highly advisable to make this mantra the essence of owns heart and being and to never live a day without remembering, singing, or chanting it. It is capable of relieving the distress of the embodied being, filling him with transcendental knowledge, and revealing the height of Spiritual love and ecstasy.

When your daily sadhana is complete, step into the world and meet the demands of your dharma or occupational duties.  Carry the vibration of the mantra with you during all your activities and act in a mindful, conscientious and intentional manner.

I hope this small post encourages you to bring a sense of consistency, regularity, and brightness to your daily routine. May your spiritual practice connect you to the depth of your heart and reveal the divine couple, Sri sri Radha-Krsna! Om tat sat

I awaken from my slumber, remembering my teachers’ words, resounding like thunder

I check the svara and step off accordingly, the day begins, Sadhana is beckoning

I cleanse my body, teeth, and tongue; ablutions purify and keep me young

I apply scented oils, tilaka, and clothes, two vertical lines with tulsi on my nose.

I control my breath to focus my mind, on the truth hidden from the blind

The mantra begins to resonate within; over and over this record spins

My mind wanders but I pull him back, make him sit and learn to watch

Patience, as the mind learns to blend, mixing with the mantra, the thoughts end

The mantra grows louder as the world begins to dim, nothing remains but the mantras endless spin

The mantra moves faster and glows with brilliant light, a radiance of pure consciousness and spiritual delight

Allowing myself to dissolve into its beauty, I am transported to the land beyond worldly duty.

Daily I sit and I make the voyage, from the world of illusion to the realm of absolute knowledge.

Just let go and begin to enter, the land of the heart, loves true center.

Start you sadhana, start your journey, The lord of the heart will sooth your yearning.