Sadhana = Pujya Gurudev

The Process of achieving Siddhi through Sadhana 

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The process of upgradation of the levels of physical activity, the mental thinking and the sentiments combined with the transmutation of animal instincts into the divine traits has been called the science of Sadhana. 

In materialistic terms, sadhana means an effort or endeavor done to achieve a specific goal; and siddhi means an accomplishment or the success achieved in that direction. However in the spiritual world, it is a common belief that the siddhis (meaning supernatural powers) are showered by the deities and that sadhana is supplication for the same. In the modern context, when everything has to pass the test of scientific validity, let us try to understand the basic principles underlying the achievement of siddhi through sadhana. In order to simplify things, let us begin with few examples.

We all know that iron is in the form of an ore, when mined from earth. It is purified by the Agni Sanskar (the process of heat treatment, in this case called smelting). Iron ore, in its crude form, is useless. It can neither serve as clay nor as a metal, whereas, after smelting the purified iron can be moulded into a variety of appliances, components of machines and parts of weaponry. This is how the utility and importance of the crude ore is enhanced. 

The medicines like Lohasava, Lohabhasma Mandurbhasma and other iron tonics manufactured by pharmacists contain this ordinary iron as an essential ingredient. These medicines ameliorate the sufferings of many chronic patients. The credit of transmutation of an insignificant piece of crude iron ore into a refined metal of immense utility goes to the Agni Sanskar. A crude lump of gold changes into an attractive ornament in the hands of a goldsmith. However, in this development, it has to pass through many processes e.g. heating, hammering, scratching etc.

 The value of other metals too increases manifold when they are converted from their original form into articles of utility. The price of a piece of stone is negligible, but after going through a prolonged process of hammering and chiseling by the sculptor, it becomes a precious idol of a deity.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma