Hindu way of life: 20 Keys to Physical and Spiritual Development
- Adapted from an article by Swami SivanandaThe following 20 instructions contain the very essence of all Yoga Sadhana, Karma, Bhakti, Jnana and Yoga, which are essential for Hindus. These are the keys to quick development and culture of the physical, mental, moral and spiritual aspects of man.
MEDITATION
- Have a separate room for meditation if possible. If not, a comer of a room should be set apart for this purpose.
GETTING UP
- Get up early. Brahma Muhurta which occurs at 4 am is extremely favourable for Sadhana. The period from 4 am to 7 am is perfect for Spiritual indulgence.
Asana
- Sit in the Padma, Sukha or Siddha asana for meditation and japa, facing east or north. Meditate for at least half an hour. Increase it gradually. Do light physical exercise such as walking regularly.
Japa
- Repeat any Mantra such as 'Om' or 'Om Namah Sivaya' or 'Om Namo Narayana' or 'Om Saravanabhavaya Nama' or the Gayathri according to your inclination. It can by done from 108 times to 21600 times (200 x 108) daily according to your free time.
DIET
- Observe dietic discipline. Be moderate in your diet. Try to give up chilies, tamarind, garlic, onions and oil if you can. Give up those things that you like the best for a week or fortnight once a year. Eat simple food. Use less salt and sugar. Non-vegetarians should try their best to gradually give up eating meat.
KNOWLEDGE
- Read the Gita, Ramayana, Bhagavatam or the numerous Puranas. Set aside some time every day to read holy scriptures. This will give us pure thoughts.
MIND ELEVATION
- Remember some slokas or stotras. Repeat them before starting Japa or meditation. This will elevate the mind quickly.
BRAHMACHARYA
- Preserve the vital force (veerya). It is all powerful. Veerya is the essence of life, thought and intelligence. Householders must also follow this as far as possible. They have to be moderate in their marital affairs with their wives.
CHARITY
- Do charity regularly, make it a point to contribute every month. If necessary forego some personal wants.
HABITS
- Give up bad company. Avoid smoking, meat and alcohol entirely. Attend religious discourses. Do not develop evil habits. Develop positive virtuous qualities.
FAST
- Fast on Ekadasi and Sivaratri. If not, live on liquids and fruits only. Weekly fasts can be observed on Fridays, Tuesdays or Mondays.
MALA
- Have a Japa Mala (rosary) around your neck or in your pocket. It will remind you of God. Whenever you have free time twirl the beads of the Mala.
MOWNA
- Observe Mowna (vow of silence) for a couple of hours daily. During this period of silence don’t gestures or inarticulate noises. Keep your mind clear.
SPEECH DISCIPLINE
- Speak always the truth. Speak little. Speak sweetly. Utter encouraging words. Never condemn, criticize or discourage. Do not raise your voice or shout at children or subordinates.
BE CONTENT
- Reduce your wants. Lead a happy contented life. Avoid unnecessary worry. Try to be mentally detached. Live simply. Think of those who do not possess even one tenth of what you have. Share what you have with others.
LOVE
- Learn to Love. Never hurt anybody. Non-injury is the highest virtue. Control anger through love, forgiveness and compassion.
SELF-RELIANT
- Be self-reliant. Never depend on others. Learn to do your own things. Self-reliance is the highest of all virtues.
SELF-ANALYSIS
- Think of the mistakes you have made during the course of the day. Do it before going to bed daily. Keep a daily spiritual diary and a self-correction register.
DUTY
- Do your duty. Remember death is awaiting you at every moment. Never fail to fulfill your duties.
REMEMBER GOD
- Think of God as soon as you wake-up and just before going to sleep, Think of Him whenever you can. Repeat His name always. This will enable us to have pure thoughts.
Try to pin, up these keys to 'Good Life' where you will see it often. Practice them. You would certainly be a better Hindu .
This article was submitted by Arun, but written by Swami Sivananda. Arun has also submitted other articles:
