As a Hindu, born and brought up in a Brahmin family, I grew up seeing many restrictions around pooja and reading scriptures at home. Somehow, I never had the opportunity to truly understand what was written in them. What I mostly experienced was hearing interpretations—usually explained by a pandit ji.
I remember that there was always a purohit who would visit our home from time to time to perform rituals. After completing the paath, he would conduct the samapan (closing ceremony), and my mother would offer him money and other items as a token of respect.
As I grew older, I began to notice a certain stigma around reading scriptures. It was often said that if you wanted to read them, you needed to take a sankalp (a formal commitment). This meant fixing a specific time, sitting with a straight spine for 2–3 hours daily, following a set number of shlokas, and then performing a proper samapan. All of this made the process feel rigid and intimidating.
However, over time, my perspective changed—and that shift transformed my entire understanding of engaging with scriptures.
There are two important concepts to understand here: Sadhna and Swadhyay.
What is Sadhna?
In simple terms, Sadhna is a disciplined spiritual practice aimed at attaining divine experience or enlightenment. It involves strict principles such as purity of food (Ahaar Shuddhi), thoughts (Vichaar Shuddhi), conduct (Aachaar Shuddhi), and behavior (Vyavhaar Shuddhi), along with Brahmacharya, Tyaag (renunciation), and Tap (austerity).
Such practices are often undertaken by saints under the guidance of a Guru and require a highly structured lifestyle—regulated sleep, food, routine, and many other restrictions. While Sadhna is not limited to saints, it does demand deep commitment and discipline.
Sadhna is also performed to awaken mantras to a higher frequency of consciousness. However, if your life path is different, it does not mean that you cannot read your scriptures. Their wisdom remains equally accessible and enlightening for everyone.
What is Swadhyay?
Swadhyay, on the other hand, is self-study or even group study. It involves reading scriptures like you would read any other book—with curiosity and the intent to understand and gain wisdom.
There are no strict rules here. You can read at your own pace, reflect, and take notes. It is about learning, questioning, and gaining clarity.
Think of it like your college days: professors explained concepts, but real understanding came when you studied on your own, revised, made notes, and discussed with friends. That process—of questioning, reflecting, and understanding—is Swadhyay.
And this is the core point: instead of reading scriptures ourselves, we often depend entirely on others’ interpretations. This becomes a mere transaction of information, not true understanding. To gain clarity, Swadhyay is essential.
Swadhyay also protects you from being misled in the name of religion. When you do not understand your own scriptures, it becomes easy for others to shape your beliefs or influence your thinking. This is one of the key reasons why many people feel confused, disconnected, or even choose to change their faith or approach—rather than transforming their inner state.
Swadhyay helps you here. It empowers you with clarity, so no one can misguide you. Instead of blindly accepting or rejecting, you begin to understand.
My Personal Experience with Swadhyay
When I started Swadhyay, it was truly a game-changer—an enlightening experience for me. I began by reading the Bhagavad Gita, and later, I created a small circle where more people joined me as well.
I can honestly say this: the Gita is everything one needs in this lifetime.
I had tried reading it twice in the traditional sankalp way, but I could not continue. However, when I approached it simply as a book—a gift from God to help me understand Him better—everything changed. That shift in approach transformed my perception and my understanding of divine power entirely.
So what stops people from practicing Swadhyay?
The biggest barrier is the stigma associated with Sadhna. Many people confuse the two. Without understanding the difference, they spread fear instead of knowledge.
Ironically, we have made Swadhyay the least important part of our spiritual journey. In today’s fast-paced world, we lack the patience to sit down and read. On top of that, there is a fear—if we read scriptures, we might have to give up our lifestyle, appear overly religious, or be judged as conservative.
But the truth is, Swadhyay requires none of that.
All it asks for is a little time and willingness to slow down. When you begin reading, you start discovering the depth and wisdom hidden in these texts. Gradually, fear disappears. This is where spirituality begins—not as a performance, but as an inner transformation.
Swadhyay breaks stigma. It removes fear. It helps you reconnect with your roots and develop your own understanding.
I often see people getting easily influenced or misled simply because they never explored the depth of their own scriptures. Swadhyay strengthens your mind, gives direction to your thoughts, and adds depth and clarity to your personality.
So, do not be afraid. Break the stigma, the taboos, and the mental barriers. Open your books and start reading—they will speak to you in ways you never expected.
There is profound wisdom and even scientific insight embedded within them.
Do not just perform your religion—radiate it through understanding and wisdom.
All the very best.
Lots of love ❤
Shweta
Very nice