sadhana

noun

sa·​dha·​na
ˈsädənə
plural -s
1
: Hindu religious training or discipline through which an individual attains samadhi
2
: Hindu or Buddhist spiritual training through which an individual worships a formed image as a mediate step to the worship of a formless deity or principle
3
: the tantric evocation of a deity by means of spells and ritual for the purpose of getting control of the deity

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit sādhana; akin to Sanskrit sādhu going straight to a goal

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near sadhana

Cite this Entry

“Sadhana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sadhana. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!