Sadhana is that, which produces Siddhi or the result sought, be
it material or spiritual advancement. It is the means or
practice by which the desired end may be attained and consists
in the training and exercise of the body and psychic faculties,
upon the gradual perfection of which Siddhi follows. The nature
or degree of spiritual Siddhi depends upon the progress made
towards the realization of the Atma whose veiling vesture the
body is. The means employed are numerous and elaborate, such as
worship (Puja) exterior or mental, Shastric learning,
austerities (Tapas), Japa or recitation of Mantra, Hymns,
meditation, and so forth. The Sadhana is necessarily of a nature
and character appropriate to the end sought. Thus Sadhana for
spiritual knowledge (Brahmajñana) which consists of external
control (Dama) over the ten senses (Indriya), internal control
(Sama) over the mind (Buddhi, Ahamkara, Manas), discrimination
between the transitory and eternal, renunciation of both the
world and heaven (Svarga), differs fro