Sadhguru explains how Shree Sadhana of Shree Siddhashram creates absolute Stillness within the Sadhaks. In the silence of stillness, the divine whispers truths that the noisy mind cannot hear. Shree Sadhana is the art of dissolving into the infinite, where the mind no longer exists, and only pure awareness remains.
Article | Visakhapatnam | April 23, 2003
Sadhguru: The path to absolute stillness is a journey into the core of one’s existence, where mind, body, and spirit merge into a state of unshakable tranquillity. In the chaotic flux of modern life, attaining such stillness may seem distant, but ancient spiritual practices hold the keys to unlocking this state. Among these practices, Shree Sadhana stands out as a profound method rooted in ancient wisdom, enabling seekers to access deep layers of consciousness, transcend mental turbulence, and experience the silence of the divine within. This article will delve into the nature of stillness, its connection with Shree Sadhana, and how one can embark on this transformative practice to realize absolute inner calm.
Shree Sadhana is the art of dissolving into the infinite, where the mind no longer exists, and only pure awareness remains.
Understanding Absolute Stillness
Before delving into Shree Sadhana, it is essential to comprehend what "absolute stillness" means in the context of spiritual evolution. Stillness is not just the absence of physical movement or external noise; it is a state of being where thoughts, emotions, and fluctuations of the mind come to rest. This stillness is where the duality of existence—joy and sorrow, desire and fulfilment, mind and matter—dissolves into unity.
In the depths of absolute stillness, there is no sense of individuality; the ego that constantly clings to self-identity vanishes, leaving only the vast, undisturbed awareness of existence itself. This state is often described in yogic texts as Shunya (emptiness) or Turiya (the fourth state, beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep). It is here that one perceives the underlying rhythm of the universe, free from mental noise and the distractions of the material world.
In practical terms, stillness means freedom from the incessant chatter of the mind. In this state, you no longer react impulsively to external stimuli. Your actions arise out of conscious intent rather than conditioned responses. This stillness brings peace, clarity, and a deeper connection to the self and the cosmos.
Absolute stillness is not an escape from life; it is the deepest connection to the flow of existence.
The Foundation of Shree Sadhana
Shree Sadhana is a sacred spiritual practice aimed at invoking the blessings of the divine feminine, Shree, is often associated with Goddess Lakshmi or the supreme Shakti in her abundant and nurturing form. The term "Shree" refers to wealth, prosperity, and beauty, but not just in the material sense. It refers to the inner wealth of peace, wisdom, love, and compassion—qualities that bloom when one connects with their deeper spiritual nature.
Shree Sadhana is an integral part of the tantric tradition, especially among the Nigam Tantra. The ultimate goal of Shree Sadhana is to awaken Shree’s energy within oneself, which manifests as both external prosperity and inner stillness. However, beyond material abundance, the true wealth Shree offers is an elevated state of consciousness where one is aligned with the cosmos, vibrating in harmony with the universal order.
When the mind rests in stillness, the soul awakens to its eternal nature.
The Principles of Shree Sadhana
Shree Sadhana revolves around specific key principles, each designed to bring the practitioner closer to inner stillness and spiritual fulfilment:
Reverence for the Divine Feminine: In Shree Sadhana, the divine feminine is seen not only as a deity but as the very essence of creation. By surrendering to Shree, you acknowledge the life force within and around you, bringing a sense of unity and reverence to all life. This sense of reverence nurtures humility and dissolves ego, which is a significant barrier to stillness.
Mantra Recitation: The use of sacred sound vibrations is central to Shree Sadhana. The Mantra is chanted to invoke the goddess’s presence. Mantras help quieten the mind, directing its focus inward. Through continuous repetition of the mantra, the scattered energy of the mind becomes centred, leading to inner calm.
Visualization: Visualization is an important component of Shree Sadhana, where the practitioner envisions the divine form of Shree in their heart or at the third eye centre. This practice helps in concentrating the mind and connecting to higher realms of consciousness. By imagining the radiant form of the goddess, one cultivates a sense of love, gratitude, and bliss, dissolving all negative emotions that disturb the inner stillness.
Sacred Rituals (Kriyas): Performing rituals is another significant aspect of Shree Sadhana. Offering flowers, lighting lamps, and preparing sacred space serve as external symbols of your inner devotion. Rituals provide structure to the practice and help anchor the practitioner in the present moment. These rituals are more than mere offerings—they are ways to attune oneself to the vibration of divine energy.
Inner Alchemy (Meditation): The culmination of Shree Sadhana is deep meditation. After the mantra recitations and rituals, the mind enters a meditative state. Here, all outward activities cease, and the mind begins to merge into the divine stillness that Shree represents. This is where the magic of inner transformation happens. Meditation in Shree Sadhana involves focusing on the divine energy that the mantras and rituals have invoked, allowing it to permeate your entire being, and bringing the mind to a standstill.
Through Shree Sadhana, we learn that stillness is not just a state of mind but a doorway to divine consciousness.
The Path to Inner Stillness Through Shree Sadhana
Step 1: Preparing the Mind and Body
Shree Sadhana requires both physical and mental preparation. The body is a temple through which divine energy flows, and thus it must be cleansed and cared for. Regular practice of Hatha Yoga or gentle stretches helps release tension from the body, making it easier to sit still during meditation. A clean, quiet, and peaceful environment enhances the meditative experience.
The mind must also be prepared through self-discipline and the cultivation of a peaceful state of awareness. This may include following ethical principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), and Shaucha (purity), which purify the mind and create a conducive atmosphere for spiritual practice.
Step 2: Invoking the Presence of Shree
To begin Shree Sadhana, start by invoking the divine presence. Light a lamp or a candle in front of an image or symbol of Shree. This is not a mere gesture but an invitation for the divine energy to be present within your space and your consciousness. It is essential to approach the practice with sincere devotion and an open heart.
Step 3: Mantra Japa (Chanting)
Mantra Sadhana and awakening of Beeja within is the critical process of Inner Engineering which will help you focus. The repetition of the mantra acts as a tool to concentrate the mind, removing external distractions. Over time, the sound of the mantra resonates within your being, bringing mental clarity and a deep sense of peace.
Stillness is the highest form of wealth, where peace is abundant, and the ego finds no place to dwell.
Mantra chanting has a vibrational effect on the mind, harmonizing the frequencies of the brainwaves with the subtle energy of the mantra. The specific 4-dimensional Mantra of Shree Siddhashram is especially potent in calming the nervous system and aligning you with the cosmic flow of Shree's energy. With consistent practice, this chanting leads the practitioner to experience a state of thoughtlessness, where the mind enters a deep state of stillness.
Step 4: Visualization of the Divine Form
Close your eyes and visualize the radiant form of Shree within your heart or at the third eye centre. A specific tantric swarupa of Devi and her radiating a golden aura. Feel her loving, nurturing energy enveloping you. This is the very secret and sacred swarupa of the Divine.
This visualization is not just an act of imagination; it is a profound practice of connecting with higher consciousness. By visualizing the divine, you align your mental energy with the qualities of Shree—abundance, beauty, and grace. This practice helps transcend mental chatter, bringing the mind to a serene state.
In the heart of stillness lies the rhythm of the universe—timeless, eternal, and boundless.
Step 5: Meditation and Inner Stillness
After the mantra chanting and visualization, enter a state of meditation. In this phase, focus on the silence within. Let go of all thoughts and attachments. As you sit in stillness, simply observe the flow of breath and the sensations within your body.
In this meditative silence, the divine energy invoked through Shree Sadhana begins to permeate every cell of your being. The mind, having been stilled by the mantra and visualization, now merges with the deeper, unchanging awareness that lies beyond thought. This is the moment when you begin to experience absolute stillness—the essence of Shree within.
Step 6: Offering Gratitude
Once the meditation is complete, offer your gratitude to the divine presence for the blessings of stillness and inner peace. Gratitude amplifies the spiritual energy you have invoked and reinforces your connection with the divine.
True prosperity is not measured in gold, but in the stillness of a mind free from desire.
The Transformative Power of Stillness
When practised consistently, Shree Sadhana can lead to a profound transformation. The stillness experienced through this practice is not fleeting; it becomes an integral part of your daily life. As the mind becomes calmer, you gain clarity in thought and action, better emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of contentment.
Healing Through Stillness
Inner stillness is a powerful healer. When the mind is still, the body follows suit, entering a state of deep relaxation. This allows the body to heal from stress-related ailments, improve immune function, and restore balance to the nervous system. Emotional wounds also begin to heal, as the stillness brings a sense of acceptance and release from past traumas.
Shree Sadhana reveals that in the quietest moments, the loudest truths are spoken within.
Awakening to Higher Consciousness
Stillness is also the gateway to higher states of consciousness. As the mind enters deeper levels of meditation through Shree Sadhana, one begins to experience moments of samadhi (complete absorption in the divine). In this state, there is no longer any separation between the self and the universe; everything merges into the oneness of being. This is the ultimate goal of all spiritual practice—to transcend the limited ego and awaken to the infinite, eternal nature of the self.
Conclusion
Shree Sadhana is a powerful spiritual practice that provides a path to inner stillness and profound transformation. By invoking the blessings of Shree, the divine feminine, and following the principles of mantra chanting visualization, and meditation, one can transcend the noise of the mind and experience the absolute stillness that lies at the heart of existence.
In the quiet spaces within, where thoughts dissolve and emotions settle, the true essence of the self emerges—boundless, peaceful, and connected to the infinite. This stillness is not only a respite from the chaos of the world but the doorway to spiritual awakening, where one can experience the divine presence in every moment of life. Through Shree Sadhana, we do not just seek stillness; we become stillness itself.
Image: Hristina Šatalova
