4 Pillars that Elevate your Yoga Sadhana

Practicing yoga but not seeing the results? Then read this ...

Most people talk about sadhana as if it’s just another word in yoga—but rarely do they grasp its true depth. Sadhana isn’t just about meditating for a few minutes or doing yoga postures. It’s a complete, daily discipline that shapes who you are at the deepest level—transforming your mind, body, and spirit. And at its core lie four unshakable pillars that hold the entire practice together.

If you’ve ever wondered why some seekers reach profound states of peace and clarity while others struggle for years, the answer often lies in how strong these four pillars are in their lives. In this blog, we’ll explore each pillar—

Seeker (Sadhak)

Guru (Teacher)

Goal (Sadhya),

Tools (Sadhan)

By understanding each pillar, you can strengthen your foundation and truly accelerate your spiritual journey.

The 5 steps of Sadhana – The Foundation of a Transformative Spiritual Path taught in my Chakra Chariot Program

In the world of yoga, sadhana—or spiritual practice—is a word we hear often in books, classes, and conversations. But how often do we pause to truly understand it? In reality, sadhana is far deeper than a set of exercises or a morning routine. It is the dedicated, disciplined journey toward self-realization and, ultimately, enlightenment.

In this blog, I’ll share the four foundational pillars of sadhana—the elements that must stand strong for the practice to truly transform and the five essential steps that help you reach your sadhya (spiritual goal).

While different yoga traditions may describe these steps in varying ways, their essence remains the same. They are not meant to be read once and forgotten—they must be lived daily, with unwavering commitment. Without them, the ultimate goal of life—samadhi, the bliss of unity—remains out of reach.

The 5 steps of sadhana in the pic above are the same framework I follow personally and teach my students: since they are practical, accessible, and deeply transformative. But before diving into them, let’s first explore the four pillars—the strong foundation upon which all meaningful sadhana rests.

Pillar One: The Sadhak – or Seeker Who Lights the Fire

The first and most essential pillar is the sadhak—the seeker. Without the seeker, there is no path, no journey, no awakening. While yoga is open to all, not everyone is ready to walk it in its truest form. A true sadhak is not merely curious—they have an inner fire, a hunger for truth, and the determination to persevere through challenges.

With the guidance of a guru and the support of the right sadhan (tools or resources), the sadhak begins to dissolve illusions and draw closer to their true self. Without that inner resolve, even the greatest teachers and tools cannot help—the entire structure collapses.

Sadhana is not for the faint-hearted, the complacent, or the lazy. In today’s world, someone motivated only by earning a paycheck, content with doing the bare minimum, or physically dependent on others may not naturally feel called to deep yogic practice. Even if they do, without sustained inner fire, their journey rarely continues.

Sadly, most yoga students today fall into this weaker category—not because they lack potential, but because they lack the intensity and commitment of a true seeker. They often abandon practice when life’s storms arrive, having never built the resilience that sadhana offers.

But when a sadhak’s passion burns fiercely, it consumes the ego’s illusions and reveals the pure, steady self within. This moment marks the birth of a true seeker—someone whose spiritual foundation can withstand anything.

Over time (at times may take several lifetimes)—such a seeker transforms into a siddha, an enlightened being who not only attains liberation but becomes a guiding light for others.

The very first Yoga Sutra begins with “Atha Yoga Anushasana" translated as “Now begins the discipline of yoga.” This is not a casual statement; it is a call to readiness. True sadhana begins only when you are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to embrace it without judgment, resistance, or superficial expectations.

A genuine sadhak embodies two essential qualities: Abhyasa—consistent practice, Vairagya, a daily discipline with ability to let go of attachments and desires. Together, they create the stability required for progress. If you wish to understand vairagya more deeply, I share a detailed exploration in my book 21 Steps to Reprogram Your Mind.

Pillar Two: The Guru – The Light That Appears When You’re Ready

A guru is not someone you casually choose—rather, they appear when the seeker is ready. The right guru enters your life when your heart’s longing for truth becomes genuine and urgent.

Many today complain about lacking guidance or say their guru is inauthentic. But more often than not, the real issue lies in the seeker’s readiness. When your inner seeking is pure and consistent, the guru will come—often in ways you could never have predicted.

A true guru does not seek to create dependence or demand blind obedience. They help dissolve your ignorance, awaken your inner light, and guide you toward liberation—not toward themselves.

Learning from a guru is not limited to listening to their words. It happens through observation of their humility, their presence, their actions. Transformation takes place through a silent transmission that cannot be replicated through books or videos alone.

This is why the Guru–Shishya tradition in ancient Vedic times was so revered. Guru and disciple lived together in yoga shalas located far from the distractions of the modern world. This created an immersive, spiritually charged environment for deep learning and transformation, one that is immersed in the 5 elements of nature (pancha maha bhutas).

While rare today, some parts of India still maintain this tradition. Such settings allow the student to make mistakes, receive real-time correction, and grow under the careful watch of a yoga guru.

Choosing a guru requires discernment—they must not only hold the knowledge you seek but also have the ability to transmit it with depth and clarity. Equally important is the practice of Guru Dakshina—a heartfelt offering made in gratitude. This is not a payment but a sacred act that completes the cycle of giving and receiving. Without it, knowledge often fails to take root.

I have seen over and over that when people receive guidance freely from me without offering anything in return—be it time, effort, or gratitude—they rarely value it, and the benefits fade quickly. Guru Dakshina need not be financial. It could be service, a symbolic gift, or anything given with sincerity. I once had a student gift me 25 coffee mugs with Lord Ganesha’s image (my ishta devtha). Even today, I bless her silently whenever I use one.

Understand this: your offering is for your own transformation. It humbles your ego, opens your heart, and prepares you to truly absorb the wisdom shared at the most appropriate times.

Pillar Three: The Sadhya – Your Spiritual Goal

The third pillar is your sadhya—your goal. Without clarity on your destination, the spiritual path can become unfocused or stagnant.

Yoga offers multiple paths, each suited to different temperaments and personal interests.

• Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and love. If this calls to you, immerse yourself in sacred texts like the Shrimad Bhagavatam or the teachings of Lord Krishna. Places like Dwarka in India and ISKCON centers worldwide are hubs of this devotion.

• Karma Yoga: The path of selfless service. Rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, this path teaches action without attachment. Sivananda Yoga Centers are known for spreading this tradition globally.

• Jnana Yoga: The path of wisdom and discernment. Study the Vedas and Upanishads, or learn from Vedanta schools in places like Rishikesh or the Aham Brahmasmi Foundation.

• Raja Yoga: The path of discipline and meditation, especially as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Institutions like Isha Foundation founded by Sadhguru carry this lineage forward with depth.

• Kundalini Yoga: The path of awakening spiritual energy and exploring higher capacities by aligning your 7 chakras together. My Chakra Chariot program in the USA offers these teachings in their authentic form. The 5 steps to sadhana (picture in the beginning) is the framework designed for achieving this.

Choosing your path is not about following trends—it’s about aligning with your soul’s calling and deep pursuits.

Pillar Four: The Sadhan – The Tools That Support Your Journey

The final pillar is sadhan—the tools, resources, and practices that enable your progress. These could be scriptures, mantras, rituals, meditation techniques, or any instrument that supports your chosen path.

Your tools will naturally evolve as your journey deepens. You may start on one path and later feel drawn to another—this is not a mistake but a refinement, provided your intentions remain clear and your guru is authentic.

However, intentions matter deeply. Using yogic practices for selfish or manipulative purposes—such as trying to read minds for personal gain—corrupts the path and misaligns your guru, tools, and journey. This misuse is one reason why certain tantric traditions have been misunderstood and misrepresented in society.

The right guru can help correct even misguided motives, refining your purpose so it aligns with your higher self. I once had a client whose goal was to outshine his boss out of resentment. But as his sadhana deepened, his competitiveness dissolved, replaced by inner fulfillment and genuine growth. Hatred and jealousy was transformed into respect and acceptance.

In the end, sadhana is not about becoming something new—it’s about burning away everything that is not you. When the seeker, guru, goal, and tools are in harmony, you return to your truest self.

Summary: Returning to Your True Self

Sadhana is not about adding more to your life—it’s about removing what you are not. The four pillars—the seeker, the guru, the goal, and the tools—work together to guide you from illusion to truth. Without a true seeker’s fire, or a genuine teacher’s guidance, or lack of defined spiritual goal, and lack of right tools aligned with impure intention, the path can easily lose direction. When these pillars stand strong, sadhana becomes a living, breathing journey—one that doesn’t just change you, but reveals who you have always been.