Sadhana Saptaka (साधनसप्तकम्)
One of the paths of sadhana involves Bhaktiyoga, which presupposes certain rigorous disciplines. They are known as the sadhana saptaka or the sevenfold moral and spiritual discipline, contrasted with the sadhana chatustaya or the fourfold discipline of Advaita. These are meant for the sublimation of the feeling and the training of the intellect.
All paths of sadhana lead to the highest level of permanent peace.
Sri Ramanujacharya's Definition of Sadhana Saptaka
These seven-fold qualifications of a Bhaktiyogin is mentioned by Sri Ramanujacharya in his Sribhasya (1.1.1). He who quotes the Vakyakara who describes them as follows:[1]
तल्लब्धिः विवेक-विमोकाभ्यासक्रियाकल्याणानवसादानुद्धर्षेभ्यः संभवान्निर्वचनाच्च। (Bodhayana vrtti)
They are viveka (विवेकः), vimoka (विमोका), abhyasa (अभ्यासः), kriya (क्रिया), kalyana (कल्याणम्), anvasada (अनवसादः), anuddharsha (अनुद्धर्षः).
विवेकः ॥ Viveka
Viveka or discrimination is the very first of these means to Bhaktiyoga. It is described as Kayasuddhi or purification of the body which is essential for purity of mind. The food one takes must be pure. Ramanuja states that food should be free from the three kinds of impurities, as given below
जात्याश्रयनिमित्तादुष्टादन्नात्कायशुद्धिर्विवेकः। (Sri. Bhas.1.1.1)
It must not be Jatidusta or impure by its very nature such as garlic and others. It must not be Ashrayadusta also. It should not be taken from wicked and accursed people. Nor should it have"nimittadoshas". It must be free from the impurities such as hair or dirt etc. The food we take goes a long way to determine our mental constitution and so the Bhakta is advised to maintain himself upon pure food.[1] आहारशुद्धौ सत्त्वशुद्धिः सत्त्वशुद्धौ ध्रुवा स्मृतिः। (Chan. Upan. 7.26.2) The body is Brahmapuri or a living temple of God, and as cleanliness is a help to godliness, bodily purity is prescribed as necessary for purity of mind, or satva suddhi which leads to spiritual concentration or dhruva smrti.
विमोका ॥ Vimoka
Vimoka is defined as "Kamanabhisvanga" i.e. freedom from the cycle of Kama and Krodha. This is indispensable for Divine realization. Conquest over one's senses is the most essential thing for successfully meditating upon Brahman. The aspirant attains शान्त उपासीत । (Chan. Upan. 3.14.1) mental tranquility when he totally detaches himself from the circle of Kama and Krodha.
अभ्यासः॥ Abhyasa
This is an unceasing practice of fixing the mind upon the auspicious form of the Supreme Being who is immanent in one and all. A doubt may arise here as to the nature of this practice. Is not such an unceasing meditation upon Brahman the end of the Bhakta ? How can, then, this Abhyasa be the means at all 9 Is not this alone the very goal of the Bhakta ? The answer to this is as follows :
"Dhruva smrthi"