Sadhana Mandir Trust is the ashram established by Gurudev, Swami Rama in 1966 on the banks of the Ganges in the Pashulok district of Rishikesh. Pilgrims and Sadhakas from around the globe have been attracted to this oasis of beauty, peace, and meditation. Over the years, those residents have reported experiencing a fire-like burning during their stay. As they meditate, this tapas is the fire of repentance and purification. Meditation is the fire of the soul igniting gem-filled manipura chakra, lighting the pranas fires flowing with breath and guided through all the centers of consciousness until what remains as “ashes” are stillness and silence.

Swami Veda Bharati was one of the fortunate few who received Sanyasi Diksha through this Lineage established by the ancient Rishis, and imparted by Swami Rama. When Swami Rama announced that he would bestow the blessing of sanyasi on Dr Usharbudh Arya, Dr Arya, with the wish to prepare himself, questioned Gurudev. “Tradition says that one must first meditate at a cremation grounds” to which Swami Rama replied: “This is a cremation ground, referring to the grounds here at Sadhana Mandir. “This is a cremation grounds but here the internal fire is lit.” He explained, “You light the internal flame of the heart into which all your actions and samskaras are offered as oblations.” The idea renunciation brings one close to the Being of Light, that internal spirit, who is that great Brilliant One of the Universe.