Introduction: A Sacred Meditative Path Rooted in Compassion and Clarity
Padma Sadhana, as popularly understood within contemporary yogic and spiritual circles, is a refined meditative discipline inspired by the teachings and guidance of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living. Revered as a spiritual master, humanitarian, and global ambassador of peace, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has consistently emphasised the harmony of breath, body, mind, and consciousness. Padma Sadhana reflects this holistic vision by integrating classical yogic postures, subtle pranayama, deep meditation, and ethical living into a single contemplative pathway.
The lotus (Padma) symbolises purity, resilience, and awakening—emerging immaculate from muddy waters. In the same spirit, Padma Sadhana guides practitioners to live fully in the world while remaining inwardly serene, clear, and compassionate. This blog explores the deeper dimensions, yogic components, and inner science of Padma Sadhana as inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings, while maintaining respect for the sanctity and experiential nature of the practice.
The Lotus as a Spiritual Archetype
Across Indian spiritual traditions, the lotus represents the unfolding of consciousness. From the Vedic seers to the Bhagavad Gita, the lotus is a metaphor for non-attachment and divine beauty. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar often speaks of living like a lotus—engaged in life, yet untouched by stress and negativity.
Padma Sadhana draws upon this symbolism to help practitioners cultivate equanimity, compassion, and clarity of mind, even amidst the pressures of modern life.
Understanding Padma Sadhana: A Holistic Discipline
Padma Sadhana is not merely a set of physical postures or breathing techniques. It is a structured inner journey combining:
Stability of posture
Refinement of breath
Awareness of prana
Focused attention
Deep meditation
Ethical and sattvic living
Inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s approach, the practice gently moves the practitioner from gross physical awareness to subtle inner stillness.
The Importance of Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
Padmasana forms the physical foundation of Padma Sadhana. This classical seated posture creates a stable base, allowing the spine to remain erect and the nervous system to settle. According to yogic science, Padmasana aligns the body’s energy channels and facilitates the upward movement of prana.
Benefits of Padmasana:
Enhances meditative stability
Calms the nervous system
Improves concentration and mental clarity
Facilitates deeper pranayama and meditation
Precaution: Padmasana should never be forced. Practitioners may use Ardha Padmasana or a comfortable cross-legged posture until flexibility develops naturally.
Preparatory Yoga Asanas for Padma Sadhana
Before entering Padma Sadhana, gentle yoga postures are practised to prepare the body and mind.
Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
This pose encourages relaxation and awareness of breath, making it ideal for centring before sadhana.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
Vajrasana stabilises the body and aids digestion, supporting long periods of sitting.
Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)
This posture opens the hips and knees, preparing the body for Padmasana.
Marjariasana–Bitilasana (Cat–Cow Pose)
Gentle spinal movement releases tension and improves pranic flow.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Tadasana promotes alignment, grounding, and body awareness.
The Role of Pranayama in Padma Sadhana
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar consistently highlights breath as the key link between body and mind. Pranayama forms the subtle core of Padma Sadhana.
Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
This pranayama balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, creating mental clarity and emotional balance.
Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)
Practised gently, Ujjayi calms the mind and increases awareness of prana.
Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath)
Bhramari relieves mental agitation, anxiety, and emotional heaviness, preparing the mind for meditation.
Deep Abdominal Breathing
Slow, conscious breathing relaxes the body and draws attention inward.
Note: Certain advanced breathing techniques taught in specific courses should be learnt directly from qualified instructors.
Meditation: The Heart of Padma Sadhana
Meditation is the central pillar of Padma Sadhana. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches meditation as an effortless process of allowing the mind to settle naturally, rather than forcing concentration.
In Padma Sadhana, meditation is practised after pranayama, when the mind is calm and receptive. This state allows the practitioner to experience deep inner silence, awareness, and bliss.
Mantra Awareness and Subtle Sound
Mantras are sacred vibrations that refine awareness. In Padma Sadhana, mantra awareness may be introduced gently, often as a natural part of meditation rather than vocal repetition.
The emphasis remains on effortlessness, allowing sound and silence to coexist without strain.
Awakening Inner Awareness and Chakras
Padma Sadhana gradually brings awareness to the subtle energy centres (chakras). Rather than forceful activation, the approach is one of gentle observation and surrender.
As awareness deepens, practitioners often experience:
Emotional balance
Heightened intuition
Inner joy and compassion
A sense of connectedness
Lifestyle and Ethical Foundation
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasises that spiritual practices flourish when supported by a balanced lifestyle. Padma Sadhana is strengthened by:
Sattvic diet
Regular sleep
Seva (selfless service)
Truthfulness and compassion
Moderation in sensory indulgence
These principles ensure that inner experiences are integrated harmoniously into daily life.
Padma Sadhana in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced world, Padma Sadhana serves as a refuge of calm and clarity. Even short daily practice helps reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar often reminds practitioners that spirituality is not an escape from responsibility, but a way to perform actions with joy and awareness.
Common Experiences and Inner Transformation
Practitioners may experience deep rest, lightness, emotional release, or moments of profound silence. These experiences are natural milestones but should not become attachments.
The true transformation lies in increased peace, compassion, and wisdom in everyday interactions.
The Guru–Disciple Connection
Padma Sadhana reflects the timeless guru–shishya tradition, where knowledge is transmitted through presence and experience rather than theory alone. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings emphasise direct experience over intellectual belief.
Precautions and Responsible Practice
Padma Sadhana should be approached with patience and humility. Those with physical limitations should adapt postures accordingly. Emotional or psychological challenges should be addressed with guidance from qualified teachers.
The Deeper Secret of Padma Sadhana
The hidden secret of Padma Sadhana is simplicity. When effort drops and awareness remains, the mind naturally returns to its source. In this silence, healing, clarity, and transformation occur effortlessly.
Conclusion: Blooming Like a Lotus in Everyday Life
Padma Sadhana, as inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a path of gentle awakening rather than forceful discipline. It teaches practitioners to breathe, live, and meditate with awareness, allowing inner wisdom to unfold naturally.
Like a lotus blooming in still waters, Padma Sadhana invites every seeker to live with grace, compassion, and clarity—rooted in the world, yet anchored in inner silence.
Disclaimer: This article is written for educational and inspirational purposes. Certain meditation and pranayama practices are taught exclusively through certified courses and should be learnt directly from authorised teachers.
