What is (Community) Sadhana?
'Sadhana' is a 'means of accomplishing something', a dedicated practice or learning that someone undertakes’. Iyengar (1993: p. 22) in his translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali defines sādhana as:
"Sādhana is 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’.
In Kundalini Yoga, sadhana commonly refers to someone's private practice which is attuned to their specific spiritual goals or the Aquarian Sadhana handed down to us by Yogi Bhajan particularly for these times. Community Sadhana is the latter, the meeting of people to join in the sadhana practice that is echoed all around the world.
The practice consists of three stages: recitation of Japji, a yoga kriya, and chanting of specific mantras.
JAPJI
Japji is a sacred composition within Sikh philosophy. Each Pauri (verse) is considered a mantra in its own right - its vibration bringing about certain change and support for you as it is uttered out loud. 'Jap' means to recite but also to understand, so Sadhana begins with attuning to your own inner wisdom and teacher to start the day.
KRIYA
Each yoga kriya is meticulously mapped out in terms of movement, mudra (hand locks), mantra (sound) and pranayam (breathing) to create particular effects and states within. Expect the kriya in Community Sadhana to be around an hour long and offered with minimal guidance as it is the active meditation segment of the process.
MANTRAS
Long Ek Ong Kaars - channels energy up through the Central Channel (the Sushumana) and through each chakra
My favourite version - Jai-Jagdeesh
Wah Yantee - the mantra of creativity and renewal
My favourite version - Nirinjan Kaur
Mul Mantra - connects you to the Infinite Truth beyond boundaries, allowing you to see what is real or not
My favourite version - Snatam Kaur
Sat Siri Akal - prepares us for death, ensuring we make the most of the day to day
My favourite version - Jai-Jagdeesh
Rake Rakhanhar - the mantra of compassion and protection
My favourite version - Krishna Kaur
Wahe Guru, Wahe Jio - the mantra of ecstasy, linking to your divine purpose and clear perception of what to preserve.
My favourite version - Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda
Guru Ram Das - the mantra of humility
My favourite version - Gurunam Singh
Sadhana is traditionally practiced in the hours of transition (dawn or dusk) and most typically in the morning, where the mind is clearer, the body rested and the energies most easily in flow. The Aquarian Sadhana as outlined here was designed to last around 2 1/2 hours, one-tenth of your day dedicated to your Self and its evolution, whilst also acknowledging the largest part of its power and influence lies in your commitment to getting out of bed in the first place.