SĀDHAKA (masc.) or SĀDHIKĀ (fem.; “accomplisher”), the Tantric designation for the spiritual practitioner (yogin or yoginī). According to the Shiva-Samhitā (5.10), there are four types of practitioner, depending on their enthusiasm and commitment to the spiritual process: (1) The mridu-sādhaka (“soft practitioner”) lacks zeal, is dull-witted, sickly, greedy, attached to his wife, fickle, timid, ill, cruel, dependent on others, and given to evil deliberations; he finds fault with his *teacher and is a miracle monger (bahu-āshin, written bahvāshin) . Such an individual is said to be fit for *Mantra-Yoga and may succeed after twelve years of diligent application. (2) The madhya-sādhaka (“middling practitioner”) is even-minded, patient, desirous of virtue, soft spoken, and moderate in all undertakings. He is suited for LayaYoga. (3) The adhimātra-sādhaka (ardent practitioner”) is fit for Hatha-Yoga and may obtain success after six years of practice. He is steady-minded, disciplined, self-reliant, energetic, compassionate, patient, honest, courageous, mature, and filled with faith; he also has high expectations, worships his teacher’s *feet, and is constantly engaged in Yoga practices. (4) The adhimātratama-sādhaka ( “most ardent practitioner”), who qualifies for any type of Yoga and meets with success after only three years of practice, is highly energetic, zealous, agreeable, valiant, informed about the teachings (shastra), eager to practice, not deluded, not confused, in the prime of his youth, moderate in his diet, with his senses under control, fearless, clean, skillful, charitable, a support to all people, competent, firm, wise, content with his lot, forbearing, good natured, virtuous, well-spoken, and free from major illnesses; he can also keep his endeavors secret, has faith in the teachings, worships his teacher and the deities, avoids public gatherings, and practices all forms of Yoga.
About Sunday morning
Contemplation
Sunday Morning Contemplation is informed by Eastern and Western contemplative traditions. The first, lectio divina has its origins in 6th century Europe. It unfolds in four steps or stages: reading (lectio), reflecting (meditatio), responding (oratio), and silent abiding (contemplatio). Our Eastern inspiration come from the Indian Upanishads (800-200 BCE), where contemplative practice consists of three steps or stages: listening (śravana), reflecting (manana), and meditating (nididhyāsana or dhyāna). Our contemplative practice on Sundays embraces both approaches, and each contemplation will be based on a reading from either tradition.
The texts and teachers I have chosen played a significant role in my life and I believe have much to offer. I will read presellected texts, slowly, with pauses between verses or quotes. The readings will be accompanied by soothing background music. To lessen distraction, I suggest participants close their eyes and listen. However, the screen will display the text so that people can choose to read along or mute the sound and read on their own. If there is time remaining after the contemplative period, participants can choose to either leave or stay for a short discussion.
As a preface to the reading, I will provide a 10-15 minute introduction to the text. When relevant, I’ll review facts about the author/teacher’s life. I will also present a brief explanation of the terms and language encountered in the reading.
Finally, when the contemplation is over, all texts read will be available online to read and/or download at any time on the website.
