Grief and Sadhana: A Real-World Reflection on the 5 Stages

Grief and Sadhana: A Real-World Reflection on the 5 Stages

Grief is universal. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a dream, a relationship, or even just the life we imagined, we all go through it. Psychology describes this as the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

But what if these stages aren't obstacles? What if they’re doorways?

In our Sampradaya, sadhana is not just spiritual practice, it is not about bypassing pain, but about walking through it with awareness.

Let’s reflect on each stage through a lens grounded in inward journey and practical spiritual insights, drawn from the teachings of our beloved guru Shri Praveen RadhaKrishnan @~Praveen Radhakrishnan.

1. Denial - “This can’t be happening.”

We often freeze when reality feels too much to bear. Our mind escapes. We pretend, distract, delay.

> “Every suffering is a gateway to progress, if done right.”

The first step isn’t to force yourself to “accept” immediately. It’s to observe without judgment. Embrace your identity. Understand the situation fully.

Maa Kali is Brantih - the divine illusion, the confusing play. Sometimes, you’re not able to accept the truth because She hasn’t allowed it yet. And that’s okay. Awareness begins there.

2. Anger - “Why am I suffering?”*

We want reasons. We want someone to blame. But sadhana flips this question inward.

> “Never ask Maa Kali why you suffer. She’s accelerating your karmic burning.”

Anger is fire. And in the presence of Maa Kali, it’s a purifying fire when the intentions are right.

It hurts no less but it purifies.

> Don’t suppress anger or any other emotion. Watch it. Let it rise, let it burn, and let it go.

3. Bargaining - “Maybe if I try harder...”

This is when we try to negotiate with life, or with the Divine. “If I do my sadhana for a longer period, will this pain go away?”

“If I do this right, can I reverse the loss?”

But the path forward isn’t negotiation. It’s commitment.

> “Shut up and show up.”

That’s it. Do your sadhana. Do your karma. Don’t try to strike a deal with destiny. Keep showing up in truth - no matter what it gives or takes away.

4. Depression - “Nothing matters anymore.”

The numbing silence. The heart feels heavy. You lose interest in life itself.

This is not weakness. This is a natural response. You have made it so for because you are strong. "Generational trauma" is often the source of desires and the cause of depression. It must be healed.

> “Handling generational trauma is part of sadhana.”

You may be processing not just your own pain but lifetimes of suppression, fear, conditioning. Depression is where deep healing begins, if you stop running from it.

Cry. Journal. Walk slowly. Breathe deeply.

And sit with Maa Adya in her sadhana. Don't ask for answers, ask her for strength to pursue this path, she will give them eventually.

5. Acceptance - “It is what it is.”

But let’s be real True acceptance is not toxic positivity. It’s not pretending everything’s fine.

> “Shoot your arrow and detach.”

Do what is right. Fulfill your dharma. Let go of outcome. Acceptance is not surrender. It is clarity. A state where you say:

“I may not understand it all, but I trust the process and my intentions are genuine.”

No Two Journeys Are the Same

Some people feel acceptance early. Others oscillate between denial and anger for years. There is no right sequence. No forced timeline.

Toxic positivity says “Just move on.”

Sadhana says: “Embrace yourself. Breathe. Realise. Transform.”

Let every hurdle become a learning.

Let every wound make you stronger.

Surrender yourself completely to Maa.

Om Shree Gurubhyo Namaha

Jai Khyapa Parampara

Jai Maa AdyaMahaKali

BhairavaKaalike Namosthuthe