Sādhana

sādhana. (T. sgrub thabs; C. chengjiu fa; J. jōjuhō; K. sŏngch’wi pŏp 成就法). Translated as "means of accomplishment", "method of attainment", etc.

A sādhana is a tantric liturgy and procedure for practice usually emphasizing the development stage of a deity yoga. The typical sādhana structure involves a preliminary part including the taking of refuge and arousing bodhichitta, a main part involving visualization of a buddha and recitation of the mantra, and a concluding part with dedication of merit to all sentient beings.

StudyBuddhism states:

Literally, a method of actualization, namely a meditation method for actualizing oneself as a [deity] for which one has received empowerment. Performing a sadhana entails recitation of a ritual meditation text describing the self-visualization process and a complex series of further practices based on that self-generation, such as reciting mantras and making offerings.

The Princeton Dictionary states:

Tantric sādhanas generally take one of two forms. In the first, the deity (which may be a buddha, bodhisattva, or another deity) is requested to appear before the meditator and is then worshiped in the expectation of receiving blessings. In the other type of tantric sādhana, the meditator imagines himself or herself to be the deity at this very moment, that is, to have the exalted body, speech, and mind of an enlightened being.

Further Reading

Print publications:

• Padmasambhava & Jamgön Kongtrul, The Light of Wisdom, Vol. Two, translated by Erik Pema Kunsang (Boudhanath: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 1986-98), Chapters 20-23.

Web publications:

• What Is a Sadhana?, StudyBuddhism
• sadhana, Rigpa Shedra Wiki
• sgrub_thabs, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki
• Means_for_Attainment, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki

Video:

• What Is Sadhana in Vajrayana Buddhism? ‒ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on YouTube
• Goodman Lecture by Prof. Anne C Klein: Being Human and a Buddha Too: Dialogues with Yeshe Tsogyal (first part on sadhana) on YouTube