Value: Steadiness- July 2025
Fourth Week: Be steadfast in sadhana
Spiritual paths are numerous, and so are the practices, known as sadhana. In the path of devotion, there are nine prescribed practices. In the path of yoga, the focus is on the daily practice of specific asanas and meditation. In the path of action, the emphasis is on transforming selfish actions into selfless acts dedicated to God. Meanwhile, the path of wisdom involves study, reflection, and contemplation, which lead to a deep abidance in the Self.
Regardless of the chosen path and practices, the most important element is steadfastness. Lord Krishna also described the qualities of one who is liberated while living as a person of 'steady' wisdom.
Regardless of the chosen path and practices, the most important element is steadfastness. Lord Krishna also described the qualities of one who is liberated while living as a person of 'steady' wisdom.
Sadhana is a constant self-effort
You are likely familiar with these two words: prarabdha and purushartha, which translate to destiny and self-effort. Destiny refers to the outcomes of your past actions, while self-effort is how you respond to those outcomes and work to overcome any misunderstandings about yourself and your life. In essence, every spiritual practice (sadhana) is an act of self-effort.
Since the results of your past actions come to you without your choice and without interruption, it is essential to engage constantly in the sadhana of self-effort. Imagine standing in the middle of a fast-flowing river; to remain steady, you need to either hold on to something firmly or sit in a boat that moves gently with the current.
The path of devotion encourages you to surrender completely to the feet of the Lord, while the path of wisdom can be likened to travelling in a boat of knowledge that helps you navigate the turbulent waters, preventing you from sinking. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna 'सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि' - you will cross over all the evils with the boat of Knowledge alone.
Since the results of your past actions come to you without your choice and without interruption, it is essential to engage constantly in the sadhana of self-effort. Imagine standing in the middle of a fast-flowing river; to remain steady, you need to either hold on to something firmly or sit in a boat that moves gently with the current.
The path of devotion encourages you to surrender completely to the feet of the Lord, while the path of wisdom can be likened to travelling in a boat of knowledge that helps you navigate the turbulent waters, preventing you from sinking. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna 'सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि' - you will cross over all the evils with the boat of Knowledge alone.
Be regular in what, when and how you do the sadhana
Once, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was approached by a distressed villager. The villager complained that, despite his many efforts, he had been unable to find groundwater in his field for irrigation. Sri Ramakrishna asked how many places he had dug to find the water. The farmer replied that he had tried 10 to 20 spots, digging 10 to 20 feet in each location.
Sri Ramakrishna paused for a moment and said, "If you had dug in one spot as deep as 50 to 60 feet instead of trying many spots, you would have found the water!"
Most of us are impatient when it comes to persisting steadily with a chosen practice or sadhana. We want quick results. Our minds have become accustomed to obtaining everything quickly, much like buying desired items online. However, you cannot become proficient in maintaining a steady asana without daily practice. The same principle applies to worship, study, and selfless actions.
Each of us carries the baggage of our past experiences. It will resurface on its own accord. Only through constant self-effort can we prepare ourselves to face the unpredictable and strive for personal freedom. There is no shortcut in sadhana. If you choose the path of action, continue without seeking recognition. In the path of yoga, work on perfecting your posture and often practice sitting with a calm mind. On the path of devotion, surrender everything to the Lord and let go of all worries. Lastly, on the path of knowledge, delve deeply into study and reflection to become fully free of inner urges and confusions.
Sri Ramakrishna paused for a moment and said, "If you had dug in one spot as deep as 50 to 60 feet instead of trying many spots, you would have found the water!"
Most of us are impatient when it comes to persisting steadily with a chosen practice or sadhana. We want quick results. Our minds have become accustomed to obtaining everything quickly, much like buying desired items online. However, you cannot become proficient in maintaining a steady asana without daily practice. The same principle applies to worship, study, and selfless actions.
Each of us carries the baggage of our past experiences. It will resurface on its own accord. Only through constant self-effort can we prepare ourselves to face the unpredictable and strive for personal freedom. There is no shortcut in sadhana. If you choose the path of action, continue without seeking recognition. In the path of yoga, work on perfecting your posture and often practice sitting with a calm mind. On the path of devotion, surrender everything to the Lord and let go of all worries. Lastly, on the path of knowledge, delve deeply into study and reflection to become fully free of inner urges and confusions.
