Sadhana Panchakam English Translation

Introduction : About 35 years ago, I happened to listen to a three-day discourse on Sadhana Panchakam by Swami Chinmayananda. More

First Verse : The Vedas must always be studied; actions must sincerely be performed as instructed by them; by such dutiful actions the lord’s forgiveness must be sought; the thought of desire-ridden actions must be given up; the flood of sinful karma shall be arrested; the impurities of worldly pleasures must be inquired into or examined; the will to know the self must be cultivated, and the current home must be left behind quickly, with dispassion. Commentary

Second Verse: Association with people who are pure and truthful shall be practiced. The mind shall be filled with firm devotion to God. Peace and the like must be increased through practice. The resolve to give up all actions shall be strengthened. A truly wise and pious teacher who has the right knowledge shall be approached. Every day, his feet shall obediently be worshipped. He shall persistently be asked about the one imperishable Brahman. The great statements, which are considered the epitome of the Vedas, shall attentively be listened with both ears. Commentary

Third Verse: The meaning of the mahavakyas shall be reflected upon. The highest wisdom of the Vedas shall be adhered to. False or perverse arguments or reasoning shall be given a rest. Let the reasoning be according to the tenets of the Vedas. “I am Brahman” shall be meditated upon. Day by day, pride shall be given up. The thought that “I am body’ only shall be discarded. Arguments with the wise people shall be avoided. Commentary

Fourth Verse: The disease of hunger shall be cured. Every day, the medicine of alms shall be taken. Tasty food shall not be begged. Be contended with what is obtained by chance or fate. The cold, the heat and such worldly things shall be endured. Wasteful words or statements shall not be spoken. Indifference shall be intensely sought. The kindness and harshness of people shall be set aside. Commentary

Fifth Verse: In solitude, let happiness be flowing. Let the mind be always absorbed in the supreme Brahman. Let the absolute self be examined. Let the world be perceived as troubled by That. Let the past karma be dissolved. With mental resolve, let there be no attachment to future karma. Let the ripened karma be expended. Then, let yourself be established in the supreme Brahman. Commentary