Some Secerets of Sadhana

Some Secerets of Sadhana

by Swami Sivananda

Through the practice of Pranayama, the Sadhaka can attain long life. A healthy man takes 14 or 16 breaths in a minute. The number of breaths increases during sleep, exercise, running etc. Retention of breath through the practice of Kumbhaka bestows longevity to the Yogic student. The lesser the number of breaths, the more is the duration of life.

The number of breaths is more in a dog and a horse. It is nearly fifty in a dog and so its duration of life is about 14 years. It is thirtyfive in a horse. So its duration of life is 29 to 30 years. An elephant breathes about 20 times in a minute and so it lives about a hundred years. A tortoise breathes five times in a minute and therefore it lives about four hundred years. A snake breathes twice or thrice in a minute. It lives for 500 to 1000 years.

The fewer the desires and wants, the lesser the number of breaths and vice versa. He who practises Japa, meditation, Brahmacharya and studies religious books or holy scriptures will have lesser number of breaths and more concentration. Lesser number of breaths means increase in concentration, rich inner spiritual life in Atman and more peace.

The Surya Mandal or the fire is in the Nabhi or the navel. The Chandra Mandal or the sphere of Amrita is a little below Ajna Chakra. Amrita or nectar dribbles and the Agni devours it, consumes it. So you have a short duration of life. If you practise Vipareetakarani Mudra or Sarvanga Asana you can conquer death, you can attain long life. In this posture the fire Mandal comes above. The nectar that dribbles from the Chandra Mandal cannot be swallowed by the Agni. Hence the nectar nourishes the Nadis and the body, and life is prolonged. Therefore it is essential that everybody should practise this vital Asana for keeping up good health and attaining longevity.

This is physical Vipareetakarani Mudra. Through the practice of Jnana Vipareetakarani Mudra you can attain immortality and eternal bliss. You can have Brahma Jnana. What is the Jnana Vipareetakarani Mudra? Have a changed angle of vision. Have a changed outlook. Behold Brahman or the one Self everywhere by negating the names and forms. Practise this again and again.

Man cannot have a strong mind unless the rays of the mind which go in diverse ways are stopped and made to converge to a point, as in the case of the rays of the sun through a magnifying glass. You can burn many things by centralising the rays of the sun through the magnifying glass. In the same way by centralising the scattered or dissipated rays of the mind and converging them on one point, through dispassion, discrimination and concentration, you can work wonders. You can perceive the marvels of the hidden innermost Self or the Supreme Atman.

Decrease in urine, faeces and phlegm, Tejas or brilliance in the eyes and face, beautiful complexion, lightness of body, sweet voice, abundance of vigour, visions of lights, freedom from disease and sloth are the fist signs of progress in Yoga (Prathama Lakshana).

Clairvoyance, clairaudience are the signs that indicate the second stage in the onward march in the path of Yoga (Dviteeya Lakshana).

The Yogi can walk over the fire, water and a sharp sword. He can move in the skies. He has knowledge of the three periods of time (Trikala Jnana). These indicate that he is in the third, fourth and fifth stage of Yoga. Eventually he frees himself from Prakriti and the three Gunas and attains Kaivalya or Absolute Independence through Nirvikalpa or Nirbhaya Samadhi.

Some Secrets of Sadhana: Timeless Principles for Spiritual Growth

Some Secrets of Sadhana reveal that true spiritual progress is achieved through sincerity, discipline, patience, and unwavering faith rather than through outward appearances or extraordinary experiences. Sadhana is the continuous effort to purify the mind, strengthen the heart, and awaken the inner self. Every prayer, meditation, act of kindness, and moment of self-reflection becomes a step toward self-realization when performed with devotion and consistency. Spiritual life is not about perfection but about steady progress and inner transformation. Devotional India encourages readers to understand these timeless principles and make them part of their daily lives.

Understanding Some Secrets of Sadhana begins with recognizing that consistency is more important than intensity. Many seekers expect immediate spiritual experiences, but lasting transformation develops through regular practice over time. Just as a seed grows slowly into a strong tree, spiritual wisdom unfolds through daily prayer, meditation, scriptural study, and selfless service. Every sincere effort, no matter how small, contributes to inner growth. Patience allows practitioners to remain committed even when progress seems gradual or invisible.

One of the greatest lessons found in Some Secrets of Sadhana is the importance of purity in thought, speech, and action. The quality of our thoughts influences our emotions, while our words and actions shape our character. Speaking truthfully, acting with kindness, and maintaining positive thoughts create inner harmony and strengthen spiritual awareness. Negative habits such as anger, jealousy, pride, and dishonesty weaken the mind and disturb peace. Devotional India reminds readers that a pure heart is the strongest foundation for spiritual development.

Another essential teaching within Some Secrets of Sadhana is the value of self-discipline. A disciplined lifestyle helps the mind remain focused and free from unnecessary distractions. Following a regular routine, practicing moderation, eating wholesome food, and using time wisely create the right environment for spiritual practice. Discipline is not meant to limit freedom but to direct energy toward higher goals. As self-control increases, concentration becomes stronger, and inner peace naturally develops.

The practice of Some Secrets of Sadhana also emphasizes the importance of meditation and self-reflection. Meditation calms the restless mind and helps practitioners become aware of their thoughts without becoming controlled by them. Self-reflection encourages honest examination of personal strengths and weaknesses, making it easier to correct negative habits. Reading sacred scriptures and learning from the lives of saints further inspire noble living and strengthen devotion. Devotional India highlights that regular self-examination is essential for genuine spiritual progress.

Developing Some Secrets of Sadhana requires humility and faith. A humble seeker remains open to learning and accepts both success and failure as opportunities for growth. Faith provides the courage to continue the spiritual journey even during difficult times. Prayer, chanting, pranayama, and selfless service strengthen the heart while reducing ego and attachment. Over time, these practices create emotional balance, compassion, and lasting contentment that cannot be shaken by external circumstances.

Ancient saints and yogic masters have always taught that Some Secrets of Sadhana are hidden in simple daily practices rather than complicated techniques. A sincere heart, a disciplined mind, and a life guided by truth, love, and service naturally attract divine grace. As practitioners become more devoted and selfless, they discover that spiritual happiness arises from within rather than from external achievements. Devotional India continues to preserve these timeless teachings to inspire seekers toward a life filled with wisdom, devotion, and inner fulfillment.

In conclusion, Some Secrets of Sadhana teach that lasting spiritual growth comes through patience, discipline, meditation, purity, faith, and selfless service. These simple yet profound principles help individuals overcome negative tendencies and cultivate lasting peace, compassion, and wisdom. Every sincere effort becomes a step toward self-realization and a deeper connection with the Divine. Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace Some Secrets of Sadhana as a lifelong guide to inner transformation, spiritual strength, and eternal happiness.