Sadhaka
Encyclopedia
A sādhaka is someone who follows a particular sādhana
, or a way of life designed to realize the goal of one's ultimate ideal, whether it is merging with brahman
or realization of one's personal deity. The word is related to the Sanskrit sādhu
, which is derived from the verb root sādh-, to accomplish. As long as one has yet to reach the goal, they are a sādhaka, while one who has reached the goal is called a siddha
. In modern usage, sadhaka is often applied as a generic term for any religious practitioner. In medieval times it was more narrowly used as a technical term for one who had gone through a specific initiation.
Hindu
, Jain, and Vajrayana
Buddhist traditions use the term sadhaka for spiritual initiates and/or aspirants.
Sadhana
Sādhanā literally "a means of accomplishing something" is ego-transcending spiritual practice. It includes a variety of disciplines in Hindu, Sikh , Buddhist and Muslim traditions that are followed in order to achieve various spiritual or ritual objectives.The historian N...
, or a way of life designed to realize the goal of one's ultimate ideal, whether it is merging with brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
or realization of one's personal deity. The word is related to the Sanskrit sādhu
Sadhu
In Hinduism, sādhu denotes an ascetic, wandering monk. Although the vast majority of sādhus are yogīs, not all yogīs are sādhus. The sādhu is solely dedicated to achieving mokṣa , the fourth and final aśrama , through meditation and contemplation of brahman...
, which is derived from the verb root sādh-, to accomplish. As long as one has yet to reach the goal, they are a sādhaka, while one who has reached the goal is called a siddha
Siddha
A Siddha सिद्ध in Sanskrit means "one who is accomplished" and refers to perfected masters who, according to Hindu belief, have transcended the ahamkara , have subdued their minds to be subservient to their Awareness, and have transformed their bodies into a different kind of body dominated by...
. In modern usage, sadhaka is often applied as a generic term for any religious practitioner. In medieval times it was more narrowly used as a technical term for one who had gone through a specific initiation.
Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
, Jain, and Vajrayana
Vajrayana
Vajrayāna Buddhism is also known as Tantric Buddhism, Tantrayāna, Mantrayāna, Secret Mantra, Esoteric Buddhism and the Diamond Vehicle...
Buddhist traditions use the term sadhaka for spiritual initiates and/or aspirants.