What Is Sadhana?

The Sanskrit word sadhana comes from the root sadh, meaning "to accomplish" or "to arrive at a goal." But don't let that trip you up—sadhana isn't about achieving some future state. It's the practice itself, the discipline of showing up with intention, the daily choice to prioritize your inner development.

Sadhana might include asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, study, or contemplation—often some combination. What makes it sadhana isn't the specific practices but the commitment to them over time, the regularity that allows cumulative transformation.

There's something different about practice done as sadhana versus practice done casually. Sadhana implies intention, consistency, and a recognition that you're engaged in something larger than any single session. You're not just stretching or relaxing—you're cultivating the conditions for awakening.

Elements of Sadhana

Consistency Over Intensity

A modest practice done daily is more powerful than an intense practice done occasionally. Sadhana is about building grooves of habit, creating a container that holds you even when motivation wavers.

Same Time, Same Place

Traditional approaches emphasize regularity—same time each day, same location if possible. This isn't rigidity for its own sake; it's using the power of rhythm to support practice. The body and mind begin to anticipate and prepare.

Early Morning Practice

Many traditions recommend practicing during the "ambrosial hours" (brahma muhurta)—roughly 4-6 AM—when the mind is quiet and the world hasn't yet started demanding your attention. But the best time for sadhana is the time you'll actually do it.

Personal Yet Guided

Sadhana is deeply personal—it's your practice, aligned with your needs and capacities. Yet it often benefits from the guidance of a teacher who can recommend appropriate practices and help you navigate the terrain.

Why Sadhana Matters

• Cumulative effect — Benefits compound over time; what seems insignificant daily becomes powerful across months and years
• Container for growth — Regular practice creates a structure that supports transformation even when you can't see it happening
• Independence from mood — When practice is habitual, you show up regardless of how you feel—and often feel better for having done so
• Accountability to yourself — Committing to sadhana is a way of taking your own growth seriously
• Spiritual maturation — Over years, sadhana gradually shifts your baseline—how you perceive, respond, and rest

Common Challenges

"I don't have time"

You have time for what you prioritize. Even five minutes counts. The question isn't whether you have time but whether you'll choose to use some of it this way.

"I keep falling off"

Everyone does. The practice isn't about never missing—it's about beginning again. Each return is the practice. Don't use missed days as evidence of failure; use them as opportunities to recommit.

"I'm not sure what to practice"

Start simple: a few sun salutations, some breath awareness, a few minutes of sitting. Or work with a teacher to develop a practice suited to your needs. The specifics matter less than the doing.