Desire is Not Enough — There Must be Yearning & Zeal for Surrender
— Akhand Jyoti
For those who are new to the path of yoga, the grand gateway of samadhi does not open easily. Certain habits, sanskāras, and old tendencies prevent the sādhak's spiritual/yogic development to the extent necessary for attainability of samadhi. In many cases, the sādhak may have the desire with determination (to reach up to this highest state of success in yoga-sādhanā), but it fades and becomes unclear after a few days. How can such people find a solution? In response to this perplexing question, Maharshi Patanjali explains:
Mṛadumadhyādhimātrātvāt tato'pi viśeṣaḥ — Yoga Darshan 1|22
Word Meaning: Mṛadumadhyādhimātratvāt — due to the mild, medium, and intense/profound levels of sadhana; tataḥ — among those with intense zeal; api = also; viśeṣaḥ = there is a difference (in time).
This means that the likelihood of success in yoga-sādhanā varies according to the mild, medium, and profound levels of the sādhak's effort.
This yoga-sutra provides solutions to many complex issues concerning the challenges of sādhanā. For the sadhaks who engage in spiritual endeavours, it is essential to understand this solution. The first point of this solution is that comprehensive preparation (through determined efforts of self-refinement and self-discipline) and dedication (of the sadhak) is necessary for sadhana. Half-hearted or loose efforts will not suffice; however, there is also reassurance.
This reassurance is for those whose sadhana experiences ups and downs, who attempt it but whose mindset is not yet fully committed to sadhana. Such sadhaks may sometimes do the sadhana lightly, sometimes moderately, and then suddenly with intensity. For those going through this fluctuating state, maharshi assures that the doors will open for them too, but it may take time.
This will depend on the pace of the sadhana. In this context, a statement by revered Gurudev is very enlightening. Once, during a discussion, a disciple wanted to know from him — how much time the siddhi (ultimate attainment, divine success) through sadhana would take. He replied, "Son! It depends on the one who is covering the distance." Along with this, he asked a counter-question, "Alright, tell me how long it takes to reach Rameshwaram from Haridwar." The disciple sitting nearby said, "Guruji, it might take about three to four days. It will take that much time while changing buses and trains." This time can also be more or less. With this sentence, he explained his point. If the journey is made by airplane or helicopter, the time will automatically decrease. Conversely, if the journey is made on foot, the time will increase manifold.
The listener understood the essence of Gurudev's words. But Gurudev wanted to make it even clearer for the benefit of all seekers. So, he said, "Son! The journey from sadhana to siddhi depends on how much speed (sincerity) and intensity (profoundness and depth) there is in the actions, thoughts, and emotions of the sadhak. For those whose pace is slow, this distance can be as long as several lifetimes. Those whose pace is moderate will see the vision of the last edge of life, struggling and striving. But there are also some great warriors, supreme heroes, who make their thoughts and emotions like arrows and place them on the bow of action, advancing towards the goal with such speed that attainment does not take long. For them, every moment, every second, every action, every thought, every emotion becomes synonymous with sadhana. For them, nothing is impossible anywhere. True sadhaks experience this truth that being lukewarm is not called penance. It is called living while boiling and bubbling. Such individuals transcend the boundaries of their physical life and open the doors of the subtle and causal realms of life in the blink of an eye."
Upon hearing these words of revered Gurudev, the listener was reminded of an incident from the life of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda, in one of his speeches, mentioned that if one could completely dedicate his entire being, self-realization could be achieved as early as within six months. Many people heard this speech, each interpreting it in his own way. Some even ignored it despite hearing it. However, there was one person who recognized the profound truth in this statement. He stood up and asked, "Swami Ji, is it possible?" Swami Ji replied, "Yes, it is."
The person then bowed to Swami Ji and left the gathering. His face radiated a mix of determination and dedication. At that moment, only Swami Ji noticed this radiance. Others merely observed that the person did not attend the subsequent gatherings. Regular attendees eventually forgot about him. Six months passed unnoticed. However, at the end of this period, the person returned one day. This time, his face shone with the pure, inner light of self-realization. Upon seeing him, Swami Ji embraced him and said, "Sturdy, after all, you did this." "Yes, Swami, it was possible with your blessings," replied Edward T. Sturdy, a friend and disciple of Swami Vivekananda.
Time and again, all seekers of spirituality, all aspirants of yoga-sadhana, all sadhaks, are reminded here that the time required for the fruition of your sadhana depends on your spiritual level and dedicated endeavour of sadhana.
Glossary
Sadhana (Sādhanā): A self-determined endeavor of self-analysis, self-purification, self-improvement and refined transformation of the self for holistic development of life, awakening and elevation of prāṇa (vital spiritual energy).
Sadhak (Sādhaka): Who sincerely performs a sadhana.
Samadhi (Samādhi): The state of deep trance (transcendental meditation) in which the mind attains absolute unperturbed peace with awakened pure wisdom.
Sanskāras: Profound impressions (of intense thoughts, emotions, and intentions behind karmas) and memories 'inscribed' or assimilated in the citta (unconscious mind).
Siddhi: Supernatural power and supramental talent; Great spiritual attainments after accomplishment of a sadhana.
Illustrative Parable: The Act of Surrender
The hospital corridor smelled of antiseptic and exhaustion. Ananya waited outside the ICU, her hands tightly clasped, as though holding herself together required constant effort. Each measured beep behind the closed doors reminded her how fragile her father's life had become.
For weeks she had done what was expected — asking careful questions, signing forms she barely read, comforting relatives with borrowed courage. But at night, when the world fell silent, fear rose unchecked. She prayed then, yet her words felt rehearsed, weighed down by desperation.
One evening, she walked to the river behind the hospital. Its dark waters flowed steadily onward, untouched by what lay beneath. Tears blurred her vision as she whispered, "I no longer know what is best. I place everything in Your hands — my fear, my plans, my father's life. Lead me."
Something within her loosened. A quiet stillness followed, as though the river's calm had settled in her heart. The fear did not vanish, but it no longer ruled her. She understood that surrender was not defeat — it was releasing the oars and trusting the current.
Back at her father's bedside, she spoke softly of ordinary things: shared mornings, unfinished conversations, gentle laughter. Days passed with pain and grace — setbacks that tested hope, small mercies that renewed it.
Ananya remained afraid, hopeful, and human — but no longer alone.
For true surrender, she learned, is not the end of the path; it is where God begins to walk beside you.
"We develop more empathy, when we realize that we are all ultimately looking for the same things – love, peace and acceptance." — Chikamso C. Efobi
Tags: #yoga-sutra #patanjali #samadhi #sadhana #siddhi #surrender #devotion #spiritual-effort #Swami-Vivekananda #Gurudev #inner-transformation #faith #self-realization #zeal #yoga-darshan #dedication #sanskara #sadhak