Atmonnati Sadhana – Part 1

“*Such is the nature of true compassion — love flows even without expecting any benefit.*” On the auspicious occasion of Lakshmi Puja, the text Atma-Unnati Sadhana, written by Param Pujya Nath Shakti Peethadheesh Shri Narendranath Maharaj, was ceremoniously released. For all of us, this became an “inner Diwali,” clearing the darkness of ignorance and lighting the lamps of wisdom. According to the teachings of Atma-Unnati Sadhana, a dedicated practitioner’s life becomes illuminated by nine divine lamps:

• First Lamp — Grace of the Sadguru

The guiding light of the Guru that removes obstacles and awakens inner clarity.

• Second Lamp — Blessings of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh

The eternal support of the three cosmic powers.

• Third Lamp — Light of Discernment (Viveka)

The ability to understand right from wrong and truth from illusion.

• Fourth Lamp — Harmony of the Five Great Elements

The favourable alignment of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.

• Fifth Lamp — Support of Planetary Energies

Planetary influences turning favourable for well-being.

• Sixth Lamp — Advancement in Spiritual Realisation

Inner consciousness rising toward purity.

• Seventh Lamp — Peace, Stability, and Contentment

A mind that rests in balance and happiness.

• Eighth Lamp — Understanding the True Meaning of Life

Insight into action, suffering, growth, and purpose.

• Ninth Lamp — Purification of the Body Leading to Self-Elevation

Through disciplined living, the path to spiritual upliftment opens.

These nine lamps represent the phala of practising Atma-Unnati Sadhana. Sadguru Shri Narendranath Maharaj Ki Jay! Author: Prof. Gajanan Kulkarni, Akola

Special Note: On 14 November 2020, *Atma-Unnati Sadhana* was released. The regular recitation of this text should begin from Sunday’s Sadhana.

The *Atmonnati Sadhana* composed by Sadguru Shri Narendranath Maharaj is unique. Normally “sadhana” implies worship, ritual, mantra, or chanting; but none of these appear here. This sadhana is based solely on reflection upon the Infinite Cosmic Principle (Brahmand-Tattva). It is universal and beneficial because it is not limited by any deity or mantra. Nature and the five elements constantly influence human life; this sadhana explains these influences and reveals their hidden causes. Everything that happens does so only through Divine Will. No living being has independent authority. Recognising this vast truth is the first step; only then does one see how small and powerless the ego truly is. When ego dissolves, spiritual growth becomes possible.

Through this sadhana, Shri Narendranath Maharaj has given a self-proven method for Atmonnati. Consider its possible results: a weak human becoming divine-like; a seeker rising to the rare state of Brahmandanayak. Ramdas Swami said: “I attained the eternal state of Bliss through this human body.” The body is the instrument; according to accumulated karma, each soul receives a body suited for further elevation. Only the human body grants the possibility of liberation. Maharaj reminds: “Animals have no chance for liberation; only humans do.” The soul can become Shiva-like only through the grace of a Sadguru. The Guru–disciple relationship is the sole means of inner transformation. Maharaj often narrates the example of Gyananath Maharaj, who awakened the ancient Vedic knowledge in an ox, proving the Sadguru’s ability to revive wisdom from past births.

Shri Narendranath Maharaj teaches that the union of the soul with Shiva is the ultimate plan of cosmic governance, and the human body is the only medium for this union. Yet people spend their lives chasing power, wealth, and attachments without ever asking: “Who am I? Why am I born?” Samarth Ramdas says: “You have received a human body through immense merit. Do not waste it in worldly pleasures.” A human body is precious, yet people fail to respect its divine purpose. When one understands its value, surrender to the Guru arises naturally. Then the Guru grants grace, awakens wisdom and helps the seeker recognise life’s purpose. This sadhana shows the path from cosmic understanding to union with Shiva, completed only under the Sadguru.

Many wonder: “Why doesn’t life go as I want? Why am I restless? Why do others progress easily?” Humans are extremely limited within cosmic law. Only the Sadguru can transform this helpless state into a blessed one. The essential requirement is Guru’s presence and service. Instead of surrendering, people follow emotions and accept anyone as Guru. True refuge arises from the heart, not intellect. Those who touch the Guru with their heart receive His grace. Maharaj advises that we remain aligned with nature and the five elements while faithfully continuing sadhana.

One must reflect on the question: “Why has God created birth and death?” The answer: human birth is given only for liberation. The message is simple: elevate the soul. God gives this opportunity to every being without discrimination. As the saint says: “God gives food to all. Remember Him—what do you lose?” Yet humans ignore this gift and forget the God who guarantees liberation.

In this seven-part series, the foundation of Atmonnati Sadhana becomes clear. Shri Narendranath Maharaj offers this sadhana across seven days:

• Sunday – Understanding cosmic creation
• Monday – Whose power governs the body?
• Tuesday – Atmonnati (self-elevation)
• Wednesday – Why am I helpless?
• Thursday – Transforming power of the Guru
• Friday – None can save except the Guru
• Saturday – Purpose of life

One must place full trust in the Divine and immerse in devotion. God Himself appears as Brahma–Vishnu–Mahesh in the form of the Sadguru.

Summary of Atmonnati Sadhana:

• Brahma–Vishnu–Mahesh incarnate as Sadguru to uplift souls.
• Human life exists for soul-elevation and liberation.
• True viveka arises through Guru-given practice.
• Pure discrimination purifies the mind.
• This sadhana accelerates evolution for the Guru-blessed.
• Non-initiated seekers are drawn naturally toward the Guru.
• The soul–Shiva relationship is realised only through self-knowledge.
• Only the Sadguru grants this knowledge.
• Liberation potential exists for all beings.
• Birth occurs according to accumulated karma.
• Right action elevates the soul.
• God does not alter karmic destiny — but the Sadguru can.
• The Sadguru is the supreme cosmic authority.

Atmonnati Sadhana is a dialogue with the Creator. Samarth Ramdas said: “When dialogue grows, arguments dissolve.” Today, true dialogue has vanished. Ego prevents even simple communication. Hence Sunday’s first instruction warns: “Be aware of ego!” A human may show pride, but before the Divine he is powerless. Nothing is in his hands—not birth, not death, not the fruits of action. What stays with him is only karma. Atmonnati Sadhana advises: perform actions that make you noble and virtuous; uplift body, mind, intellect, and soul; purify the body so that the soul may rise. Through many births of sincere practice under Guru’s guidance, a time comes when the body becomes pure, the soul elevated, and liberation attained.