Importance of doing Sadhana in a Scientific Way

Importance of doing Sadhana in a Scientific Way Sudarshan Kriya is a unique rhythmic breathing technique which has been cognated by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This breathing technique when practised properly and unfailingly brings back rhythm in the life of the practitioner. Everything in life has a rhythm. The sun rises at a particular time and sets at a particular time. Birds leave the sanctuary of their nests and return back at a set time. Imagine listening to a guitar which is not strung properly. Such music would not resonate in our mind, instead it would be cacophony. The seeker has to necessarily follow a laid-down routine which would enhance the quality of sadhana. The first step is to loosen up the body and follow a strict yogic regimen to derive maximum benefit from the practice. Surya Namaskar – Sun Salutation The Sun God grants us the vital energy and radiance which provides us with enormous abundance in life. This illuminating star suffuses our lives with heat and light and consequently energizes our mind, body and souls. Ayurveda extols the virtues of the Sun as the provider of health. Hence the worship of the Sun assumes tremendous significance. The worship is performed through mantra, japa, Surya Namaskar and pranayama. Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is more than a mere physical exercise. It exorcises fear from our mind. As per the Ramayana, Lord Rama was imparted this esoteric knowledge by the sages Vashistha and Vishwamitra. As a result he attained the necessary strength to vanquish Ravana. A practitioner needs to be in total harmony with his breath (prana), sound and the physical movement while performing the Sun Salutation. Regular practice of the Sun Salutation increases our intuitive ability. The focus is on all parts of the body but particularly the solar plexus. The solar plexus which is normally the size of an almond enlarges to assume the size of a human palm through methodical and faithful practice. The physical exercise is an obeisance to the Sun and takes the form of twelve yogic postures, which are performed in a sequential manner of movements and flow. Breath and sound simultaneously flow rhythmically while performing this yogic practice and the practitioner receives bountiful cosmic energy. The practice should not be associated with any religion or a ritual. It has a deep spiritual connect with the cosmos and opens up frontiers of profound dimensions of awareness and mindfulness. Meticulous and punctilious practice has a salutary effect on the human mind and body which results in startling benefits and changes us from within and without. A fifteen to twenty minute practice of the Sun Salutation augments the vitality and beauty of the yogic practitioner and makes him joyous and radiant. Most importantly it enhances bliss, compassion and love in the individual and leads one to discover the eternal truth. However it should be remembered that this is more than a mere physical exercise. It is a sadhana to the life giver of this planet. Normally six to twelve sets of Surya Namaskars strengthen the body, mind and build our intuitive abilities. This is followed by the practice of Padmasadhana (a sequence of yogic postures in Ujjayi breath (or the breath of victory). As per the Agama tradition, it is believed that the Devi (Goddess) is seated on a five-layered seat or asana. The base of this seat is a tortoise, which represents stability. However stability is not sufficient. The sadhak needs awareness as well to delve deep inside. Thus the second layer is the snake, which represents awareness. Awareness propels activity in the mind. Now above the snake is perched the lion, which symbolizes grace. And seated atop the lion is the Siddha, the perfect sage. Finally, above the perfect sage is the lotus, which is symbolic of absolute blossoming. When the yoga postures have all the five qualities that is stability, awareness, grace, perfection and full blossoming, only then does divinity dawn on the seeker and that is the quest of Padma Sadhana. This particular sequence ought to be made an integral part of our daily morning and evening yoga practice to unlock the inner energy. Upon completion of these yogic practices, the sadhak or practitioner has to practise Sudarshan Kriya. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also extols virtues of ‘group’ sadhana as positive energy pervades in abundance and the mind is tranquil and robust to go about our daily routine, to become enlightened citizens and to undertake selfless service to society. This is a complete package of performing sadhana in a scientific manner.