The simplest definition of Sadhana is that it is a spiritual practice, or, if you prefer, any technique, worship, or ritual that helps align your life more closely with your Divine Source Consciousness.

Every day, somewhere in the world there are ongoing shifts, changes, that bring about new and emerging forms of Sadhana; however, it is not a sudden or recent invention in the course of human history. It is something that has been with you in every birth, serving as an integral part of your existence. This ongoing process finds its spark in that inspired moment when you lift your gaze beyond the material world and begin to wonder: from where and why did I come to be? This wonder is not new; it lies dormant within everyone, waiting to awaken in the hearts of all beings, great and small. All religions and the various spiritual paths that have emerged stem from this fundamental innate desire to look beyond the surface of things to seek answers and understanding.

To truly grasp the essence and power of Sadhana, it's essential to recognize that it cannot thrive simply by adhering to rigid techniques and mechanical routines. While self-discipline plays a role—especially if you aim to uncover the true depths of your human-to-divine journey—Sadhana is meant to be far more expansive. It flourishes at its best when it embraces all aspects of your life, both internal and external. Only then can it reach its true potential, weaving itself into the very fabric of your existence and enriching every dimension of who you are.

"Sadhana is meant to be far more expansive. It flourishes at its best when it embraces all aspects of your life, both internal and external."

A novice might suggest that your sadhana should be an inwardly directed system of actions or practices aimed at channeling your incarnate psychical consciousness up into the silent field of Samadhi—or silence if you prefer. They would tell you that your process must be about establishing your sole residence in the boundless womb of the great Mother-Creator, above and beyond the limited linear movements of time and space.

However, the wise would offer a different perspective. They would remind you that the Divine, the great Mother, is fully invested in Her material Creation. Therefore, it would be wiser in your sadhanas to strive to be more like Her by being all-inclusive in your pursuit of perfection. This material realm can also serve as a place to experience Oneness while simultaneously being in the company of Her Love and the Truth of your knowing. If your life can be transformed into a direct transmission of Her perfection, then everything you do will be a testament to Her Love. 

To realize it fully, Sadhana must, before all else, become your Human-to-Divine art of recognizing the Divine in all things and, therein, equally allowing the Truth of you to be told. The devout novice typically attaches a more traditional sense to the word Sadhana, envisioning it primarily in the context of meditation, breathing exercises, and mental disciplines or seeing it predominantly in terms of worship or ritual. But those are merely the preferred pieces of a much larger framework; they are not its exclusive substance.

"To realize it fully, Sadhana must, before all else, become your Human-to-Divine art of recognizing the Divine in all things and, therein, equally allowing the Truth of you to be told."

The methods described are not the Sadhana itself, just as a wildflower is not the entire meadow in which it grows. While Sadhana may include your awareness of the wildflower, it is only truly considered Sadhana when experienced within the complete context of the meadow.

One simple Sanskrit phrase perfectly encapsulates the complete ideal of Sadhana: “Ekata tatha bhinnata,” which translates to ‘unity and diversity.’ This concept is directly related to the goal of attaining Ekatmata—unity with one’s spiritual essence, as well as the realization that all things, whether manifest or unmanifest, stem from that essence. While Yoga, which means to unite, might be seen as the ultimate goal, in truth, Sadhana more accurately represents Aikakarmya-Aikatmya, or unity in both action and being.

More precisely, Sadhana is much more than disciplined breathing, sitting in asanas, meditation, or worship; it must be your availability to the entire meadow in every conscious state while walking, talking, eating, breathing, working, or playing. It cannot function well as a singular cure-all practice or system of fixed routines; it must be based on the story of you that the Great Mother Creator reveals to the world through your upward innocent surrender of your life to affect there the open door to the Will and Force of the Divine High Self. 

Genuine Sadhana draws from the understanding that we are all interconnected in every situation, united with the Great Mother Creator and all living beings, even amidst life's divisions and diversity. Any action that aligns your inner or outer life with this sacred truth can be embraced as Sadhana.