Sadhu - an essential subject

The sādhu is defined in three was: any person who is working to gain control of their senses, desires, and mental and emotional states; a person who is already progressing in sādhanā (a regulated spiritual practice); or any holy or saintly person who puts the welfare of others before their own. There are different categories of sādhus, mainly based on their level of spiritual realization and advancement, their degree of renunciation and selflessness and their behavior with other living beings. The sādhu desires the ultimate benefit for all. In his or her attempt to help and guide others, the sādhu is said to be as soft as a rose and as strong as a thunderbolt: they are willing to do whatever is needed to save lost and confused souls from repeating the same mistakes. He is also likened to a surgeon: by his words alone he can cut away our false attachments and dispel our illusions. There is a system of checks and balances: the guru (initiating and/or instructing), the sādhu, and the śāstras. One who is on the path of spiritual advancement must remain vigilant in discriminating between these three and confirming that they are indeed supporting each other.

Srila Prabhupada's books, lectures, conversations and letters offer a comprehensive presentation of this essential subject as seen in the Vaniquotes Sadhu category. An introduction from his books is given below in the following 8 quotes.


Quotes from Srila Prabhupada's books









Sadhu - explore more within this category.

Vanipedia has now over 903 introductory articles compiled from Srila Prabhupada's books under the series titled Essential Subjects. All these articles can be seen in the Table of Content on the right side of this article and also here in this Umbrella Category. Browse through them to relish the breadth and depth of Srila Prabhupada's teachings - There is a subject for everyone.


   
 

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