The Practice
The meaning of the name
Satya means truth, and Sadhna means to be with that truth and to experience it. Satya Sadhna is the process of experiencing the truth of the mind and the truth of oneself. As the mind begins to experience its own truth, it understands the reality within, and learns to live in the present moment with equanimity.
Silent meditation, from your own experience
Satya Sadhna is silent meditation, learned from your own experience and taught in 10-day on-campus retreats. It is a structured, disciplined way of meditating, with the aim of discovering one's true self and living a happy, balanced and peaceful life.
Its foundation
The practice is rooted in the teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar. It is taught by Param Pujya Gurudev Shri Pujyaji Shri Jin Chandra Suriji Maharajsahab, the successor in the Khartargacch tradition.
How it is taught
Acharya Ji and the teachers he has appointed teach Satya Sadhna in India and around the world. On-campus retreats are held at the two Kendras, at Nal near Bikaner and at Kheyada near Kolkata.
Satya Sadhna helps one become
- Nirbhay: doing everything with a calm, poised mind, without expecting a result.
- Nirvair: holding love and compassion for all beings.
- Nirlep: free of layers and bondages.
Four parts of the practice
Over ten days the practice unfolds in four parts, each building on the one before.
Step 1 · Right conduct
Sadachar
सदाचार
The course begins with a commitment to right conduct: the five precepts of truth, non-violence, non-stealing, non-possession and celibacy, kept in silence. Living simply and quietly steadies the mind for the practice ahead.
Step 2 · Observing the breath
Swash Darshan
श्वास दर्शन
Attention rests on the natural breath as it comes in and goes out, at the area above the upper lip, without changing it. Gradually the mind becomes calm, alert and focused.
Step 3 · Seeing the truth within
Satya Darshan
सत्य दर्शन
With a steady mind, the practice turns to observing the sensations all over the body and how they change, while keeping balance and equanimity.
Step 4 · Friendliness towards all
Maitri
मैत्री
The course closes with goodwill towards all living beings, a spirit carried back into family, work and daily life.
Open to everyone
You do not need to be Jain, or to follow any religion. Courses are open to anyone who sincerely wishes to learn and is willing to follow the course conduct, whatever their background or faith.
Ten days of silent practice, learned from your own experience, help cultivate qualities that stay with you long after the course.
- Inner peaceA quiet within that does not depend on what is happening around you.
- EquanimityMeeting life’s ups and downs with a steadier, more balanced mind.
- FocusA calmer mind that can rest its attention where you choose.
- Less stressLearning to let tension settle instead of carrying it from day to day.
- Better relationshipsMore patience and understanding with family, friends and colleagues.
- CompassionGoodwill towards others that grows naturally out of the practice.
- ConfidenceA quiet trust in yourself that comes from knowing your own mind.
- Discovering yourselfUnderstanding yourself through your own direct experience, not belief.
Satya Sadhna helps one become:
- निर्भयNirbhay · FearlessDoing everything with a calm, poised mind, without expecting a result.
- निर्वैरNirvair · Free of enmityHolding love and compassion for all beings.
- निर्लेपNirlep · UnattachedFree of layers and bondages.