Why Intense Sādhanā is Required

1. The Foundation: Chitta Śuddhi

The first and most essential requirement for realising God or the Self is Chitta Śuddhi, the purification of the mind. Scriptures repeatedly affirm that only a pure mind can grasp the truth and attain realisation. But such purity is rare, because the ordinary mind is restless, constantly agitated by desires, worries, and distractions. Unless this inner instrument is cleansed, higher knowledge remains out of reach.

2. The Path of Purification

Different methods are prescribed for purifying the mind, but among them, meditation (dhyāna) and prāṇāyāma (breath regulation) are considered the most effective. Meditation quiets the fluctuations of thought, while prāṇāyāma steadies the life-force (prāṇa), which directly influences the stability of the mind. Together, these practices are powerful forms of sādhanā that accelerate spiritual growth.

3. The Challenge of Meditation

Yet, meditation is not easy for most seekers. The moment one sits in silence, thoughts crowd the mind. Instead of maintaining focus, attention is scattered, like a monkey leaping from branch to branch. This restlessness makes meditation feel inaccessible in the early stages of practice.

4. The Remedy: Japa

To discipline the wandering mind, japa—the repetition of a mantra or divine name—is prescribed. By continuously returning to the same sound or thought, the mind is trained to stay anchored. Just as a monkey made to climb the same tree repeatedly grows still, the mind too becomes calm and focused through japa. In this way, japa prepares the ground for deeper meditation and is indispensable for many aspirants.

5. Direct Meditation for the Pure-Minded

Rare are those whose minds are already free from unnecessary thoughts and distractions. For such aspirants, direct meditation is possible. With sincere practice—such as meditating for two hours daily—remarkable transformation can occur within a year. But for the vast majority, japa serves as the necessary preparation before such depth can be reached.

6. When Japa Seems Insufficient

Sometimes even japa may not feel effective, especially if the mind lacks faith, steadiness, or understanding. In such cases, the study of scriptures (śāstra) becomes essential. Scriptures remind us why sādhanā must be done, reveal the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, and point toward eternal reality. By listening, reflecting, and contemplating these teachings, the aspirant develops clarity and conviction, which strengthens both japa and meditation.

7. The Ultimate Goal: Pure Knowledge

At the culmination of all effort, the fruit of sādhanā is not an external vision or object but pure knowledge—the direct recognition of one’s true Self as the infinite Brahman. Meditation, prāṇāyāma, japa, and scriptural study are not ends in themselves; they are tools to cleanse the mind and remove distractions. When the mind becomes steady and transparent, knowledge reveals itself effortlessly, and liberation is attained.