Sadhana --- Is it Necessary?

Question 1: Someone I know says that there is not much importance in Sadhana and that it is enough to have faith in one's Guru.

Mata Amritanandamayi: "Son, a person who has faith in (the Guru) will perform sadhana as (the Guru) instructs. Such a person will live without erring even a little bit. Will your disease be cured if you only believe the doctor but do not take the medicine? Not only that, faith will gain strength and steadiness only if sadhana brings experience. Otherwise, faith will slip into irresoluteness. You cannot progress without sadhana. Can't you see even jivanmuktas (those who have achieved liberation while tenanting the body) doing meditation and japa (repetitions of the mantra) to set an example? No progress will accrue to him who simply sits saying faith will save me without doing anything. Unquestioning obedience is what is meant by faith and devotion. Whatever the Guru says, one should unconditionally obey.  Do not ask any questions. Do not doubt the Guru. One should unconditionally obey the Guru whatever he says, whether it is doing service to the Guru, service to society, Japa, Dhyana or anything else." (pgs. 82-83, Awaken, Children! Vol. 3).

Question 2: I do sadhana but I feel empty. Why is this so?

Mata Amritanandamayi: "We do some kind of spiritual practice, and then, dissipate the acquired spiritual energy by indulging in worldly affairs." (pg. 71, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1)

Mata Amritanandamayi: "Whatever spiritual power is gained through meditation and other spiritual practices gets dissipated through indulgence." (pg. 123, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1)

Question 3: How do we find the time to do sadhana? We are all too busy with work and family.

Mata Amritanandamayi: "Out of 24 hours, allow 22 hours for worldly affairs. Think of Him for at least two hours. Japa should also be done for some time while sitting in solitude. It should be performed whenever you have the time, even at work. (pg. 84, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1)

Question 4: Is it all right if one chants mantras even without knowing the meaning ?

Mata Amritanandamayi: "...if you chant your mantra without knowing its meaning, it has its own powers. Even then, it is better if it is chanted with faith and love. Concentration is also necessary." (pg. 97, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1)

Mata Amritanandamayi: "...although God's Name has a power of its own, when we chant it with bhava or concentration, it becomes more powerful." (pg. 117, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1)

Question 5: Is it necessary to do sadhana everyday? Is it wrong or even harmful to stop sadhana for a day or two?

Mata Amritanandamayi: "Do not do sadhana with the intention of making it known to others or to please them. We don't stop brushing our teeth, taking a shower or eating food because those are necessities. In the same way, we should remember that sadhana is also necessary for us every day. We will stink of we do not take a bath and brush our teeth. It will be troublesome for others also.  We should understand that refraining from doing sadhana is at least as harmful as this. Sadhana should become a part of our life." (pgs. 122-123, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1).

Question 6: What is the best place to do sadhana?

Mata Amritanandamayi: "Sadhana should be done in the presence of a Perfect Master or in an ashram". (pg. 135, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1).

Question 7: I got a mantra from you; isn't it enough that I have been accepted as your disciple?

Mata Amritanandamayi: "Concentrate on your sadhana.... Mother gave a mantra to everyone. Do not be puffed up because of that and think, 'I am mother's disciple.' Do not feel proud thinking, 'I have the ticket' after getting onto a bus or train. If you do not show the ticket when the ticket collector comes, he will immediately make you get off. He will let you alight at your destination only if you use your ticket for the proper place and in the proper way. Otherwise, you will have to get off before your destination." (pg. 219, Awaken, Children! Vol. 1)

You may also be interested in the following articles:

https://antaryamin.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/so-amma-is-your-guru-really/
https://theunboundedspirit.com/tv/