Sādhanā has been described as ‘a discipline undertaken in the pursuit of a goal.
Abhyāsa is repeated practice performed with observation and reflection. Kriyā, or action, also implies perfect execution with study and investigation. Therefore, sādhanā, abhyāsa, and kriyā all mean one and the same thing.
A sādhaka, or practitioner, is one who skillfully applies…mind and intelligence in practice towards a spiritual goal.’ (B.K.S. Iyengar)
I have a newfound control on every aspect of my time, and I intend to make the best use of it. Not by overworking myself, but by being more productive. Not by compromising on responsiveness, but by choosing when and how to respond. Not by neglecting my health – but in fact – giving more time to my body and mind. And…not by complaining that I don’t have the time – but by making the best use of all the time that is available to me.
This 21-day Sādhanā challenge is my way of a bit of course correction – and breaking some long-standing habits. You are welcome to try it for yourself.
How to go about it
This sādhanā is designed to be a 21-day course. Why 21 days? The short answer is that it is believed that 21 days makes a habit.
And so the sādhanā is designed as a series of 21 articles, each touching upon a specific topic, to serve as the backdrop for the exercises that follow. I would recommend that you read one article a day, for 21 days at a stretch, and then read the summary articles broken down week-by-week (week 1, week 2, week 3) – again, one a day. And finally, the “What I learnt” article, to complete the theory bit of the sādhanā.
At the start of the lockdown, I penned down a few thoughts, in no particular order. You can read them here, or fill in the form below, and I will send the e-book to you.
Consider them to be musings of a fellow traveler, in the journey called life.
Exercise 4 Breathing Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment – 10 minutes everyday Breathing is a fundamental life process. Our life is a collection…
Exercise 5 No-Mind Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes every alternate day From observing, to observation. From total involvement, to no…
Exercise 7 Saptarishi Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 45 minutes every week Those who are familiar with financial planning know the importance…
Exercise 9 Tracking accomplishments Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : 10 minutes everyday This exercise will help you reflect upon your daily tasks,…
Exercise 16 Rediscovering food Difficulty level – 3 (difficult) Time commitment : At every meal and throughout the day We have spoken about perspectives, basic…
Exercise 18 Chandra-bhedana pranayama Difficulty level – 2 (moderately difficult) Time commitment – 10 minutes, thrice a week in Week 3 This is the first…
Exercise 20 शवासन – Śavāsana Difficulty level -3 (very difficult) Time commitment : 10-15 minutes, after every yogic practice The standing joke in yoga classes,…
Exercise 21 Discovering your swara Difficulty level – 1 (easy) Time commitment : As indicated throughout the day We spoke about knowing the breath, through…