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The saying, practice makes perfect, holds true in many instances in our modern world.  Spiritual practice or sadhana aligns with this saying.  In order to fulfill our desires for enlightenment, for salvation and truth-realization-- Sadhana is needed.

A person undertaking a spiritual practice is known as a sadhaka.  The goal of sadhana may vary, it may be spiritual-realization, enlightenment, pure love of God (prema), liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), or the blessings from a deity.  It is most important to perform any practice from a state of bhakti or devotion, holding Dharmic intentions.  The importance of spiritual practice cannot be emphasized enough, sadhana is extremely valuable to a spiritual seeker because is plants the seed of the fruit which will eventually sprout, grow and ripen in later stages.

Sadhana can involve meditation, chanting of mantra (sometimes with the help of a japa mala), puja to a deity, among many others.  A practice given to a student from a Guru or teacher should be received with respect and practiced intently.  A practice given with the blessing of a teacher is aligned with our highest purpose.   A Guru tailors an individual’s practice, as well as their experience of the sadhana, specifically for their path towards salvation.  Under the guidance of a teacher a practice can open us to levels of grace and blessings that are tremendous at any stage of our lives.  It is a true blessing to have a practice bestowed by a teacher or Guru. Each practice is with the intent of bringing us closer to oneness realization.  Sadhana helps to focus one’s mind and soul.  At each step there must be one-pointed concentration and devotion to the Divine.  Developing the precise ability to have laser focus, while maintaining a pure heart, enables us to evolve into the highest levels of spiritual practice.

The maturation of a sadhana and the sadhaka pinnacles at the point when one’s whole life is enveloped in spiritual practice.  The highest form of practice is when one’s daily life becomes the state of sadhana – when every step and every breath is in unity. Becoming the practice is the goal.  Living the truth is the ultimate sadhana.