Shiva Sadhna is an ancient practice that helps calm the mind, reduce stress and experience inner peace. It is a state in which we are aware of our thoughts and feelings, but are not attached to them.
Preparing for Meditation
Before sitting down to meditate, it is important to empty your mind and brain of thoughts. Choose a quiet and comfortable place where no one will disturb you. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Slowly relax your body and calm your mind.
As you empty your mind, feelings of the divine begin to descend inside you. You may experience peace, joy and love. Over time, you will also begin to empty yourself of other thoughts and stresses.
Meditation and Sleep
Meditation is often described as a type of sleep, in which you remain conscious, but your upper mind goes to sleep. Your subconscious mind awakens, allowing you to access your inner wisdom and intuition.
When you lie down to sleep, you empty your mind and thoughts become void. Then, sleep comes and dreams start coming. Dreams come because when the superconscious mind goes to sleep, all the powers of the mind are lost.
The meditator goes even further, where the mind connects with the soul.
Scientific View
Scientists believe that dreams occur when the soul connects with the memory of the mind. Whatever memories are recorded inside the mind, they then get related to the soul. As soon as it connects with the mind, dreams start appearing.
Thus, going beyond dreams and memories, the soul enters the subtle nadis at that time. But at the same time, we come from the dream state to deep sleep. This sequence repeats again and again. This sequence happens at the beginning of meditation. As soon as one goes deep into meditation, yoga nidra and tanamayta come.
But this state does not last long, we come back again, get connected to the dream. Immediately a new gust takes us deeper again. To go beyond these dreams, the seeker needs Shivalok. Lord Shiva is the destroyer of dreams.
Shiva Element and Meditation
Shiva Element is a protective circle, Brahma Chakra, Shakti Chakra which protects the seeker in every way. All the wishes of the devotee are fulfilled by Shiva Sadhana. This world is the form of Shiva Shakti. Shiva is called Adi Guru. Therefore, in the meditation of Shiva, Guru’s grace is automatically received. Meditation of Guru is the meditation of Shiva.
If there is any supreme element, supreme state, supreme light and God in Bodhi, then it is Shiva only. Who is beyond the three states of awakening, dream and deep sleep.
The process of Shiva meditation is simple but extremely effective. Before sitting in meditation, it is necessary to free the mind and brain from thoughts. When the mind reaches a completely void state, then the Shiva element starts to be felt.
Method of meditation
Select the place: Sit in a quiet and holy place, where there is no disturbance.
Sit in Sukhasana or Padmasana: Keep the spine straight and eyes closed.
Chant Shiva Mantra: Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” continuously, which will increase the depth of meditation. Meditate on Shivling or Trishul: Create the image of Lord Shiva in your mind and feel his energy.
Breath control: Take slow and deep breaths and focus your consciousness.
Meditation is a powerful tool that can help us calm our mind, relax our body, and connect with our soul. It is a practice that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or level of experience. With a regular meditation practice, you can bring positive changes to your life.
Shiv Sadhana is a profound spiritual practice dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme consciousness and cosmic energy in Hinduism. It is a path of devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), meditation (dhyana), and disciplined action (karma) that leads to self-realization and inner transformation. Practiced by yogis, seekers, and devotees for centuries, Shiv Sadhana enables one to transcend material illusions and unite with the infinite.
The Essence of Lord Shiva
Shiva, known as Mahadev (the greatest god), symbolizes both destruction and regeneration. He is the Adi Yogi, the first yogi, who bestows wisdom, liberation, and bliss upon his followers. His divine attributes-third eye (symbolizing awareness), trident (representing control over body, mind, and intellect), and ash-smeared form (indicating detachment)-teach spiritual seekers the path to ultimate truth.
Shiv Sadhana primarily involves deep meditation. Practitioners focus on Shiva’s form, mantra, or formless energy to still their minds and experience his divine presence. Popular meditation techniques include:
– Trataka (Gazing at Shiva’s Image or Jyotirlinga): Helps in concentration and developing inner vision.
– Shiva Mantra Japa: Chanting mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” purifies the mind and invokes divine vibrations.
– Shiva Lingam Meditation: Visualizing and meditating upon the Shiva Lingam symbolizes infinite cosmic energy and helps in spiritual awakening.
Chanting and Mantra Sadhana
Mantra chanting is a crucial part of Shiv Sadhana. The vibration of Shiva mantras aligns the practitioner with universal energies. Some powerful mantras include:
– Om Namah Shivaya: The panchakshari (five-syllable) mantra that grants peace, protection, and enlightenment.
– “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra”: A potent mantra for overcoming fear, diseases, and negative energies.
– “Shiva Tandava Stotram”: A hymn describing Shiva’s cosmic dance, which grants strength and devotion.
Fasting and Vows
Fasting, particularly on Mondays (Somvar Vrat) and during Mahashivratri, enhances spiritual discipline and devotion. Devotees abstain from negative habits and dedicate their day to prayer, bhajans, and meditation.
Worship of Shiva Lingam
The Shiva Lingam represents the eternal cosmic energy. Devotees perform rituals like:
– Abhishekam (Sacred Bathing): Using water, milk, honey, or Panchamrit (a mixture of five sacred substances) to purify the lingam.
– Offering Bilva Leaves: Considered highly auspicious and believed to please Shiva.
– Lighting a Diya (Lamp): Symbolizing the removal of ignorance and the illumination of divine wisdom.
Rudra Homam and Yajnas
Fire rituals dedicated to Shiva (Rudra Homam) invoke his blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual elevation. These rituals involve chanting the Rudram and offering sacred substances into the fire.
Shiv Sadhna – The path to calm the mind and connect with the soul
