sadhana

Sadhana is a term used in Indian spiritual traditions to denote a disciplined, sustained practice undertaken with the aim of achieving a spiritual goal, such as self-realization or liberation. The word comes from Sanskrit, generally interpreted as an activity that makes something credible or attainable, or as a means of accomplishment through dedicated effort.

In Hinduism, sadhana refers to a wide range of practices designed to purify the mind and advance along a spiritual path. Practices can include meditation (dhyana), repetition of sacred sounds or names (japa), breath control (pranayama), study of scriptures (svadhyaya), ethical disciplines, devotional acts (bhakti), and various austerities or disciplines (tapas). Different yogic and philosophical paths—such as jnana, bhakti, karma, and raja yoga—have their own sadhana approaches, sometimes organized into formal frameworks like the Sadhana Chatushtham, which outlines habits leading to spiritual maturity.

In Buddhist and Tibetan contexts, sadhana often refers to formal meditative or ritual practices, including visualization, mantra recitation, and guru Yoga. These sadhanas are typically undertaken under guidance and empowerment, especially within tantric lineages, and are intended to cultivate insight and realization.

In Sikhism, while the term sadhana is less central, the concept aligns with disciplined spiritual practice, notably Naam Simran—the remembrance and repetition of God’s name—as a daily, transformative discipline.

Overall, sadhana denotes the active, experiential aspect of spiritual life: a consistently maintained practice aimed at inner transformation, beyond mere belief, across various traditions.