1. Get up every day at 4 a.m. This is Brahmamuhurta, which
is ideal for contemplation of God.
2. ASANA: For Japa and meditation, sit for half an hour in
Padma, Siddha, or Sukha Asana, facing east or north. Gradually increase the
time to three hours. Maintain Brahmacharya and health by performing Sirshasana
and Sarvangasana. Regularly engage in light physical activities such as
walking. Perform a total of twenty Pranayamas.
3. JAPA: From 108 to 21,600 times per day, repeat any Mantra
as pure Om or Om Namo Narayanaya, Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namo Bhagavate
Vasudevaya, Om Saravanabhavaya Namah, Sita Ram, Sri Ram, Hari Om, or Gayatri,
according to your preference.
4. DIETARY DISCIPLINE: Suddha Ahara, eat Sattvic food.
Remove chillies, tamarind, garlic, onion, sour foods, oil, mustard, and
asafoetida from your diet. Consume food in moderation (Mitahara). Don't put too
much food in your stomach. For a fortnight per year, give up the things that
the mind enjoys the most. Simple foods should be consumed. Concentration is
aided by milk and fruits. To keep life going, use food as medication. It is a
sin to eat for pleasure. For a month, avoid salt and sweets. You must be able
to survive solely on rice, dhal, and bread. For Dhal, don't ask for more salt,
and for tea, coffee, or milk, don't ask for sugar.
5. Create a separate meditation space that is locked and
secured to avoid distractions and disturbances.
6. CHARITY: Give to charity on a regular basis, such as once
a month or even daily, depending on your financial situation, such as six paise
per rupee.
7. SVADHYAYA: Spend half an hour to an hour every day
studying the Gita, the Ramayana, the Bhagavata, Sri Vishnu-Sahasranama,
Lalita-Sahasranama, Aditya Hridaya, Upanishads or Yoga Vasishtha, the Bible,
Zend Avesta, the Koran, the Tripitakas, the Granth Sahib, and other sacred
texts, and having Sud
8. BRAHMACHARYA: Protect the vital power (Veerya) with
extreme caution. Veerya—Vibhuti—is God in action or manifestation. Veerya is a
force to be reckoned with. Veerya is all about the cash. Veerya is the essence
of life, intellect, and cognition.
9. PRAYER SLOKAS: Memorize a few prayer slokas or Stotras
and recite them as soon as you sit in an Asana before beginning Japa or
meditation. This will rapidly boost the mind.
10. SATSANGA: Attend Satsanga (Pious or Noble or Good Company). Don't hang out with nasty
people who smoke, consume excesses, abuse substances or drink alcoholic beverages. Don't get into any
bad habits through mental, social and emotional contagion.
11. EKADASI FASTING: Fast on Ekadasi or live solely on milk
and fruits.
12. JAPA MAALA: At night, wear your Japa Maala (rosary)
around your neck, in your pocket, or under your pillow.
13. MOUNA: Every day, for a few of hours, observe Mouna (the
vow of silence).
14. SPEAK THE TRUTH AT ALL COSTS: Speak the truth at all
costs. Speak up a little bit. Speak with a nice tone.
15. Minimize your desires. Reduce the quantity of shirts to
three or two if you have four. Live a joyful, fulfilled life. Avoid worrying
about things that aren't necessary. Have a simple way of life and a lofty
mindset.
16. NEVER HURT ANYONE: Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever,
ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever (Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah). Control your anger
with love, forgiveness, and Daya (compassion).
17. DO NOT RELY ON SERVANTS: Do not put your trust in
servants. The highest of all qualities is self-reliance.
18. SELF-ANALYSIS: Before going to bed, think on the
mistakes you've made throughout the day (self-analysis). Keep a daily journal
and a self-correction log. Do not dwell on previous blunders.
19. COMPLETE DUTIES: Always keep in mind that death is only
around the corner. Never fail to carry out your responsibilities. Have a good
moral code (Sadachara).
20. SURRENDER TO GOD: As soon as you wake up and as soon as
you go to sleep, think about God. Completely surrender yourself to God
(Saranagati).
