For nurturing of bhakti, it is necessary to start a regular practice of sadhana (साधना) or daily devotion. The aim of sadhana is to acclimate the mind to sitting for a regular practice of devotion. During this time we lovingly remember God in His personal form. Shri Maharaj Ji says without this preparatory mental training, we cannot advance even one step in devotion. Lovingly meditating on the personal form of God (or roopdhyana) is the life breath of our sadhana or bhakti practice. Without it, our devotional practice - no matter what we are doing - is like a body without a soul.
Practicing devotion in solitude is termed as Karm Sanyas Sadhana.
Practicing devotion in solitude is termed as Karm Sanyas Sadhana.
1. According to your own liking select a beautiful picture or moorti of your beloved Lord, Shri Radha Krishna.
2. Prepare a place of sadhana, in which you should put only the selected image of Shri Radha Krishna and your Guru (Spiritual Master). It is better for your meditation if this place in a quiet area in your home is designated for this purpose.
3. Set a time aside for your regular daily sadhana.
4. When you sit to start your sadhana, first feel that you are now far away from the rest of the world and that only your Guru and your beloved God are with you.
5. Close your eyes, do Roopadhyan - Devotional Remembrance which means imagine the living divine form of God inspired by your selected photo or feel that the form of God in your picture is gradually appearing in front of you. Feel His presence. Enjoy the indescribable beauty of his peacock feather crested golden crown, His forehead which is adorned with a shiny tilak (तिलक), His broad shoulders which are covered by a yellow silk cloth or peetamber (पीताम्बर), His chest which is adorned with shimmering necklaces and a flower garland of forest flowers or banmala (बनमाला), His waist which is encircled by a golden bejeweled belt, and His lotus feet which are encircled by beautiful anklets.
6. Serve your beloved Lord by fanning Him, washing or pressing His lotus feet or through any other kind of loving service. Do everything in your mind. It is not merely an imagination. Since He is already seated in your heart, He is watching all your sentiments closely. Resolve again and again that He is yours, He alone is yours. Increase your intention to see God in His full divine form during sadhana.
7. To firmly set your mind in sadhana, then perform the following:
After performing this practice of daily sadhana, try to feel God's presence throughout the day. Be with God and your Guru all the time. This is termed as karm yoga sadhana
There is nothing special you need to do to start this daily practice. You can start your sadhana now with the materials provided through the links on this page.
2. Prepare a place of sadhana, in which you should put only the selected image of Shri Radha Krishna and your Guru (Spiritual Master). It is better for your meditation if this place in a quiet area in your home is designated for this purpose.
3. Set a time aside for your regular daily sadhana.
4. When you sit to start your sadhana, first feel that you are now far away from the rest of the world and that only your Guru and your beloved God are with you.
5. Close your eyes, do Roopadhyan - Devotional Remembrance which means imagine the living divine form of God inspired by your selected photo or feel that the form of God in your picture is gradually appearing in front of you. Feel His presence. Enjoy the indescribable beauty of his peacock feather crested golden crown, His forehead which is adorned with a shiny tilak (तिलक), His broad shoulders which are covered by a yellow silk cloth or peetamber (पीताम्बर), His chest which is adorned with shimmering necklaces and a flower garland of forest flowers or banmala (बनमाला), His waist which is encircled by a golden bejeweled belt, and His lotus feet which are encircled by beautiful anklets.
6. Serve your beloved Lord by fanning Him, washing or pressing His lotus feet or through any other kind of loving service. Do everything in your mind. It is not merely an imagination. Since He is already seated in your heart, He is watching all your sentiments closely. Resolve again and again that He is yours, He alone is yours. Increase your intention to see God in His full divine form during sadhana.
7. To firmly set your mind in sadhana, then perform the following:
- Recite the Daily Prayer composed by Shri Maharaj Ji and as you repeat the words, either out loud or silently, try to understand their meaning and develop a feeling of devotional humility;
- Perform the Arti of the Guru to increase your love and reverence for Him and to express your gratitude for his grace;
- Sing one or two bhajans so you may practice roopdhyan with the help of the meanings of the bhajans which describe Shri Radha Krishna's form, name, qualities, pastimes and abode;
- Perform the Arti of Shri Radha Krishna while continuing to visualize their close presence;
- After arti, bhog (a light and sattvic food) offering is made to God and Guru. This food is later eaten as prasad (blessed food). At the time of offering bhog, try to imagine that God or Guru are before you and eating or tasting what you have prepared.
After performing this practice of daily sadhana, try to feel God's presence throughout the day. Be with God and your Guru all the time. This is termed as karm yoga sadhana
There is nothing special you need to do to start this daily practice. You can start your sadhana now with the materials provided through the links on this page.
