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Buddhist Sadhana — what is it?
Jeroen
Not all those who wander are lostNetherlands Veteran
Wikipedia says the Sanskrit word ‘sadhana’ means a spiritual discipline or practice aimed at accomplishing a goal. So can it be any kind of practice, whatever you identify with? For example Hindu sadhus often do bathing in the Ganges as a kind of sadhana for purification.
It seems to be really varied. @IdleChater in the past talked about a tantric feast as a kind of sadhana involving alcohol and red meat.
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Comments
You didn't listen.
I mentioned a particular tantric feast practice, being a sadhana, not "kind of", that includes consuming red meat (beef, etc.) and alcohol. You may also find the consumption of cannabis and a substance found specifically in Tibetan Buddhism, called Dutsi.
Sadhana differs from other practices in that it requires transmission to undertake the practice. This is a ceremony that includes a reading of the entire liturgy. It's also a class in how to actually perform the practice - the use mantra, mudra, mala, music and so on.
Then, you can do the practice.
What you're dealing with here is an esoteric cult. That's "cult" in the more classic sense. Not Jonestown.
There's a lot more to that can be shared, so ask away if you want, but that's a good place to stop, for now.
I remember this in some of the TB tantric initiations I attended. The red meat and alcohol was just a small piece of jerky and a bit of some sort of alcohol poured into the palm of your hand that you sipped. It kind of reminded me of Christian communion with the bread and wine. They're symbolic of something greater, but honestly it felt rather ceremonial and ritualistic.
Which doesn’t answer my question… is the idea of sadhana restricted in Buddhism to certain specific acts, or not?