The world often feels constricted, rife with chaos. Even when you finally find a moment of quiet, the mind still feels heavy, like you’re carrying too many open tabs. This constant mental load tires the mind and weighs on the heart, creating subtle yet powerful hurdles for sadhana.
"Stillness in Sanatana Dharma: The Foundation of Sadhana"
Stillness is the first step to progress, both spiritual and worldly. Whether you seek mental clarity, better decision-making, discipline, or inner balance, everything begins with the ability to pause, observe, and be present. Without this foundation, the mind wanders. But when your will is strong and the mind is calm, even the simplest mantra becomes transformative.
Chapter 39 of The Shiva Purana says that meditation helps steady the mind and prepare it for higher awareness. Teaching us that sadhana is not merely ritual; it is a deeply transformative yogic discipline.
Like many aspects of Sanatana Dharma, sadhana too aims for holistic transformation. It purifies the mind, strengthens your sankalpa, deepens inner aspiration, and gently nudges you toward meaningful change.
And yet, many sadhaks find it difficult to sit still, rarely due to a lack of devotion.
Before exploring the reasons, consider the concept of chitta-vritti. Shiva Purana describes the mind as moving in endless waves: thoughts, memories, emotions, and impressions. To gain stillness, the effort is not to fight the waves, but to understand and gently settle them.
Why You Struggle to Practice Sadhana: Five Subtle Reasons
Here are five subtle reasons you may struggle, along with remedies rooted in timeless Sanatana wisdom.
1. Your Intention Is Not Clear
Without a clear sankalpa, the mind drifts aimlessly.
Remedy: Before you begin, set your intention: peace, clarity, healing, devotion. A few sincere words focus both mind and prana.
2. Worldly Distractions Pull You Outward, Unless You Redirect Them
Your mind naturally leans toward work, responsibilities, and ambitions. Instead of resisting, use this pull to your advantage. Sanatana wisdom teaches that your outer goals and inner growth need not be separate.
Remedy: Align your sadhana with your worldly aspirations. Tell yourself, “My practice will help me focus better, think clearly, and perform better.”
When sadhana supports your daily life, distractions lose their grip.
3. Lack of Understanding of Your Practice
When you don’t know the meaning of your mantra or mudra, sadhana can feel mechanical.
Remedy: Learn the meaning of your mantra, the symbolism of your mudras, and the purpose behind each step. Even a little understanding brings depth and sincerity.
4. The Belief That Sadhana Must Happen Only in the Morning
Rigid timing creates pressure and reduces joy.
Remedy: Choose a time that matches your energy- early morning, evening, late night, or a quiet afternoon. Consistency matters more than timing.
5. Not Using the Right Spiritual Supports
Ancient practitioners used malas, rudraksha, incense, and mantra music to steady the mind and ground prana. These tools are not accessories; they are energetic supports.
Remedy: Use a mala, a rudraksha, or gentle mantra music during practice. These anchors help deepen and stabilize your sadhana.
How Rudraksha Helps as a Supportive Tool for Your Sadhana
Rudraksha is a tool for sadhana that helps you settle the mind and stabilize your prana during practice. It reduces mental restlessness, supports inner clarity, and makes it easier to remain steady in your mantra or meditation.
When intention is clear, understanding is simple, your practice aligns with your daily life, and supportive tools like Rudraksha guide your focus, sadhana stops feeling heavy. It becomes a natural rhythm in your day, rooted in Sanatana wisdom and strengthened by the energy you cultivate through consistent practice.
