Shivanga Sadhana

Shivanga Sadhana is only for gents.

Shivanga kit contains the following:

a) A black cloth

b) A Rudraksha mala with Dhyanalinga pendant

c) Vibhuti

d) Bhiksha bowl

e) Dhyana Linga Photo

f) Mantra Sheet

Shivanga kit can be bought from the below link before the Initiation date

https://ishalife.sadhguru.org/usa/shivanga-kit-gents or from an Isha Veera near you.

First-time participants need to order the Shivanga Kit with Mala.

Repeat Shivangas who already have the 21 Rudraksha Mala can order the kit without Mala.

Those who have not received the Shivanga kit before the Initiation date can arrange a new pure cotton Black cloth of size 3"X18" inches (width and length respectively) for initiation. If the inch black cloth does not sufficiently fit your arm then you can increase the cloth length.

The rest of the offerings in the kit can be used after you receive the kit.

You will have to mandatorily procure a Shivanga Kit that will be used for your sadhana. You will be guided during the initiation on how to use the kit.

The minimum age requirement is 8 years

The initiation link shall be posted in the Shivanga Sadhana What’s app group.

The space should be conducive for sadhana, without any distractions. It is preferable but not mandatory to do the Shiva Namaskar in front of the Dhyanalinga photo or Dhyanalinga yantra.

You will be initiated into the sacred “Shiva Namaskar” process & a mantra (Chant).

Yes, you can do Shivanga Sadhana along with any other sadhana.

Anytime before sunrise or after sunset. You can Google the time of sunrise and sunset at your location. It can be done twice a day. 21 cycles of Shiva Namaskar should be done at a stretch.

Yes, minimum 21 times at a stretch.

Please doShiva Namaskar before other Isha Practices.Guru Pooja,if properly learnt,can be done before Shiva Namaskar.

Yes

Yes, you need to wear the Shivanga Rudraksha mala during the Shivanga Sadhana period.

This intricately designed pendant has a design of Dhyanalinga on both sides. This pendant goes through a certain process of consecration where it has been put in Dhyanalinga for a certain period of time. Use of this pendant can enhance one's receptivity. Sadhguru has designed this pendant for Shivanga Sadhana.

You can ensure the following things to receive the initiation in the best possible way:

a) Ensure that there is no disturbance. 
b) Ensure you have a stable internet connection for a 1.5-hour session. It is best if you log in 15 minutes before the session starts.
c) It is best if you use a laptop.
d) Kindly do not attend any calls or messages during the session.
e) Since you will be initiated into a Yogic practice, it is best if you have a 6 x 6 ft space around you.

Consuming the neem leaves is best but if neem leaves are not available in your area, in that case you can use the neem powder.

Mix a 1/4 teaspoon (1 gm) of neem powder with a small amount of water until a paste forms. Once there is a paste-like texture, use your hands to form a small ball. Use 1 gm of neem powder to prepare neem balls. Swallow this ball along with water every day after sadhana. This 100 gm neem powder will be sufficient for 100 neem balls.

If you’re taking neem capsules, it is recommended to take 2 capsules in the morning with warm water after Sadhana. With 100 capsules, this will be sufficient for 50 days.

Yes you can continue. You do not need to consume extra neem.

No

Please avoid them. Stimulants / intoxicants are not conducive for Shivanga Sadhana.

Recipe 1

Spread 1 cup of dry green gram (mung beans) on a tray and sunbake them in full sun for a day, or place in a low temp oven (200 degrees) for 30-40 minutes. 

Let the beans cool and then put the dried beans into a food processor and add 1/4 cup white rice. Grind the beans and rice together in the food processor until it is powdered. (Use a sieve to remove any coarser pieces as necessary.

Mix 2 tsp of turmeric powder into the fine powder and store in a sealed container. This powder can be kept for months if stored in a cool dry place.

To use: Mix 1-2 Tbsp of fine powder with a little water to make a thin paste. Rub the paste into your skin and let it air-dry for a couple of minutes before rinsing. You can use this right away, there is no need to soak the mixture for long.

Recipe 2

Make a powder mixture base:

Green gram / mung bean powder and chickpea flour (besan) are very good to use for bathing powder. Mix both and your powder mixture base is ready. Even if one of these ingredients is available, it is okay️.

Upon availability and preferences, you can optionally add any or all of these ingredients to 1 cup of the powder mixture base.

1 tsp organic turmeric powder
1 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp amla (Indian gooseberry) powder 
1 tbsp tulsi (holy basil)  powder
1 tbsp neem powder
1 tbsp dry lemon or orange peel powder

Mix all of the added ingredients together and put them in an airtight container.

To use: Mix 2 Tbsp of the powder with a little water to make a thin paste. Make sure there are no lumps. Rub the paste into your skin and let it air-dry for a couple of minutes before rinsing. You can use this right away, there is no need to soak the mixture for long.

herbal hair powder (see recipe below). 

Recipe

Reetha (Soapnut), Amla (Indian gooseberry) and Shikakai (Senegalia rugata) are considered a good combination for hair cleansing and nourishment. Traditionally, they are cooked together in an iron utensil and kept overnight to apply on the next day. Since the cooked mixture has a short shelf life and the preparation process might not be practical in most of our daily lives, we can buy them in powder form and soak them in water before applying.

For best results, take the desired quantity of each powder and soak for at least an hour (or overnight). Make sure the paste is thick enough so that it doesn’t flow away easily.

Dampen your hair, gently apply the mixture and wash thoroughly. There is no need to let it rest for a longer period of time.