Ekanta Sadhana: The Spiritual Practice of Isolation
In a world that never seems to stop, the mind constantly interacts with the external world. From the moment we wake up to when we fall asleep, our senses get bombarded with distractions—sounds, sights, thoughts, and emotions. We live in an age of information overload, where even a moment of stillness feels foreign. Just as a sedentary worker should take time for physical exercise to maintain health, so does the mind require attention. The constant strain and wear on our mental state demand a restorative practice that offers relief, rejuvenation, and spiritual growth. This practice is known as Ekanta Sadhana—the practice of spirituality in isolation.
The Need for Isolation in Sadhana
Imagine a sedentary worker who spends hours in front of a screen, absorbing information but not releasing it. Over time, the lack of physical activity leads to health issues. Similarly, our minds, which are constantly engaged with external stimuli, suffer from mental exhaustion. Without a period of introspection or spiritual practice, we too begin to experience the wear and tear of the mind. Just as we need to rest our body, we need to retreat from the external world to nurture our mental and spiritual health.
Ekanta Sadhana provides the mental clarity and focus required for inner transformation. This practice of withdrawing from distractions, isolating oneself from the outside world, and tuning in to our higher self allows us to tend to the mind, free from external influences. It offers the space to uplift our consciousness, guide our thoughts toward divinity, and experience profound spiritual growth.
The Story of Jaidev Goswami: A Lesson in Devotion and Isolation
To understand the depth of Ekanta Sadhana, we turn to the story of Jaidev Goswami, one of the greatest poet-saints in Sanskrit literature. Jaidev was a devout follower of Radha Krishna and spent many years in the holy city of Jagannath Puri. One day, he had a divine vision of Lord Krishna playing his flute by a stream in the mountains. This vision so moved him that he penned down his epic poetry, the Gita Govinda, which would go on to become a revered text in Indian spiritual literature.
In the years following Jaidev’s samadhi, a humble gardener woman in Puri, Malini, would sing verses from the Gita Govinda in a beautiful melody while tending to the garden. It was said that the Lord, Jagannath, would follow her around the garden to hear the enchanting verses. The priests noticed this, and soon the news reached the king of Puri. Upon inquiring, the king learned that Jagannath Himself adored the Gita Govinda. In fact, the deity would become so agitated in his temple that His shawl would get caught in the bushes as He moved toward Malini.
The king, moved by the devotion of the Lord, attempted to compose his own poetry, hoping to capture some of the divine grace. However, when his poetry was read aloud, it did not have the same impact on the devotees. Deeply troubled, the king considered ending his life, but once again, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and assured him that twelve verses of his poetry would be incorporated into the Gita Govinda.
The lesson from this story is profound: True spiritual practice does not depend on external formality or the intricacy of rituals. It arises from a deep, unshakable connection with the Divine. Jaidev Goswami’s devotion, born from a life of quiet, solitary practice, gave him access to the heights of divine inspiration. This is the power of Ekanta Sadhana: it nurtures the soul in isolation, helping the seeker attain spiritual mastery.
The Power of Raganuga Bhakti: A Spontaneous Love for God
Jaidev’s devotion was a result of spontaneous, Raganuga Bhakti, or the spontaneous love for God. This is not a forced practice of worship or a mere intellectual pursuit of knowledge, but a heartfelt yearning for the Divine. Such love does not require complex rituals or intonations of mantras. Instead, it is an unfiltered, genuine relationship with the Supreme, born out of an intense longing to be with God.
In the same vein, Tulsidas, Meera Bai, Tukaram, Narsi Mehta, and Eknath—great saints from various spiritual traditions—attained their siddhis (spiritual powers) not through meticulous rituals, but through this deep, personal longing and connection with God. Their practices were grounded in Raganuga Bhakti, where the heart’s spontaneous love for God led them to a state of divine realization. The mind, when left in isolation with the Lord, becomes saturated with divine qualities and transcends the mundane world.
A Humorous Lesson in Devotion
There is a humorous anecdote that illustrates this point well. On the banks of the Narmada River, a scholar arrived to give spiritual discourses. However, he noticed that the people in the area preferred to listen to the three simple sadhus who resided on the opposite bank. Intrigued, the scholar went to meet them and asked how they prayed. The sadhus responded, “We don’t know any prayers; all we say is, ‘Bhagwan, you are three—Shankar, Brahma, Vishnu—and we are also three. Please bless us.’”
The scholar, scoffing at their simplicity, taught them an elaborate prayer with complex mantras. Yet, when a storm appeared while he was crossing the river, he noticed the three sadhus walking on the water, coming to ask for a repeat of the prayer. In the end, the scholar realized that the sadhus, in their simplicity and love for God, were far ahead of him.
This story highlights a key truth about spiritual practice: True devotion does not require complexity. It is the purity of intention and love for God that matters the most. The scholar, despite his knowledge of elaborate prayers, could not match the simplicity and sincerity of the sadhus’ practice. Ekanta Sadhana, done with love and devotion, bypasses the need for external complexities.
Starting Ekanta Sadhana: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the idea of Ekanta Sadhana may seem daunting at first, it is a simple and powerful practice that can be implemented by anyone. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you begin your own practice of spiritual isolation:
1. Determine Your Time Commitment
The scriptures recommend at least two hours of sadhana every day, which is about one-tenth of your time. However, given the busy nature of modern life, it is acceptable to start with one hour. The key is consistency—make a commitment to spend dedicated time in your spiritual practice every day. No matter how busy you are, prioritize your sadhana as you would your physical health.
2. Choose the Right Time
The best time for sadhana is the Brahma Muhurta, which is the two hours before sunrise. This is a time when the mind is naturally calm, the atmosphere is clean, and the surroundings are quiet. If mornings are difficult for you, consider splitting your practice between the morning and evening hours, or choose a time that suits your schedule.
3. Choose a Comfortable Posture
The physical posture for sadhana is not rigid. The goal is to sit comfortably and stay alert, so sleep does not overwhelm you. You can practice in Sukhasana, Padmasana, or even on a chair if needed. The key is to maintain an alert but comfortable posture.
4. Cultivate Self-Awareness
Before diving into any external practice, begin with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your current state—your strengths, your challenges, and your aspirations. Recognize where you are in your spiritual journey and remind yourself of your purpose in life. This will serve as the launching pad for deeper spiritual practices.
5. Cultivate Dispassion (Vairagya)
Dispassion is the ability to detach from the fleeting pleasures of the material world. Remind yourself that your happiness does not lie in worldly things, but in God. The more you experience life, the more you will understand that nothing in this world can truly satisfy the thirst of the soul.
6. Establish a Relationship with God
The next step in Ekanta Sadhana is to establish a deep, personal relationship with God. Remind yourself that God is your eternal relative, waiting for you with open arms. Contemplate the loving relationship you share with Him, and cultivate feelings of affection and devotion.
7. Practice Meditation
Meditation, or Roop Dhyan, is an essential aspect of Ekanta Sadhana. Visualize the form of your chosen deity—Radha Krishna, or any deity you feel drawn to. Meditate on their divine pastimes, and imagine yourself engaging in their service. This is the beginning of deepening your connection with the Divine.
8. Develop a Longing for God
As your practice deepens, you will begin to experience an intense longing for God. This longing is the lifeblood of spiritual progress. It will drive you to seek God’s presence and purify your heart. Over time, this longing will grow so strong that it will overshadow everything else in your life.
9. Use Kirtan to Strengthen Your Practice
Kirtan (chanting of divine names) is a powerful tool in Ekanta Sadhana. It engages the mind and the senses, creating an atmosphere of devotion and love. Use kirtan to uplift your spirits and deepen your connection with God. This can be done through singing, listening, or silently chanting the Lord’s name.
Conclusion
Ekanta Sadhana is a deeply transformative practice that enables you to connect with your higher self, find peace within, and attain spiritual growth. Just as a sedentary worker needs to take time for physical exercise to maintain health, the mind requires moments of isolation and introspection for spiritual progress. The practice of Ekanta Sadhana provides that opportunity, fostering inner peace, mental clarity, and a deeper connection with the Divine. By integrating this practice into your life, you can cultivate a powerful bond with God, leading to eternal bliss and spiritual fulfillment.
Elevate Your Devotion
- Participate in Daily Aarti and Kirtans
Experience the power of collective devotion by participating in our Daily Aarti and Kirtans every evening from 7 PM to 8:00 PM. Let the divine vibrations of chanting bring peace and spiritual fulfillment to your life. - Volunteer to develop selfless love for Radha Krishna
Cultivate a selfless heart by offering your service to Radha Krishna at the temple. Whether it's helping with events, maintaining the temple grounds, or supporting other devotees, your service will purify your soul. Check out the various Volunteer opportunities available at the temple to contribute and grow spiritually.
Sunday Satsang and Mahaprasad
Join Radha Krishna Temple’s Sunday Satsang online or in person from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Do join the RKT Inspirations Whatsapp Community to receive notifications about the Sunday Satsang.
References
You can refer to Swami Mukundananda's video on Ekanta Sadhana for more insights: