Sadhana Tattva [Rules of Living]

The Science Of Seven Cultures

For Quick Evolution of the Human Being

INTRODUCTION

(a) An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory. Practice Yoga, Religion and Philosophy in daily life and attain Self-realization.

(b)These thirty-two instructions give the essence of the Eternal Religion (Sanatana Dharma) in its purest form.

They are suitable for modern busy householders with fixed hours of work. Modify them to suit your convenience and increase the period gradually.

(c) In the beginning take only a few practicable resolves which form a small but definite advance over your present habits and character.

In case of ill-health, pressure of work or unavoidable engagements replace your active Sadhana by frequent remembrance of God.

HEALTH CULTURE

  1. Eat moderately. Take light and Satvic food, Suddha Ahara. Offer it to God before you eat. Have a balanced diet. Avoid chillies, tamarind, garlic, onion, sour food, junk food, oil, mustard, asafoetida (Perungayam), salt, sugar etc., as far as possible. Give up tea, coffee, smoking, meat and liquor entirely. Observe moderation in diet (Mitahara). Do not overload the stomach. Take food as medicine to keep the life going.
  2. Fast on Ekadasi days. On Ekadasi, take milk, fruits or water only. Avoid cereals.
  3. Practice Yoga Asana or physical exercises for fifteen to thirty minutes every day. Take a walk or play some games daily.

ENERGY CULTURE

  1. Observe silence (Mouna) for atleast one or two hours daily and four to eight hours on Sundays.
  2. Observe celibacy according to your age and circumstances. Restrict the indulgence to once a month. Decrease it gradually to once a year. Finally take a vow of abstinence for whole life.

ETHICAL CULTURE

  1. Speak the TRUTH. Speak little. Hear more. Speak kindly. Speak gently and sweetly.
  2. Do not injure anyone in thought, word or deed. Be kind to all.
  3. Be sincere, straightforward and open-hearted in your talks and dealings.
  4. Be honest. Earn by the sweat of your brow. Do not accept any money, things or favour unless earned lawfully. Develop nobility and integrity.
  5. Control fits of anger by serenity, patience, love, mercy and tolerance. Forget and forgive. Adapt yourself to men and events.

WILL CULTURE

  1. Live without sugar for a day or week or month. Give up salt on Sundays.
  2. Give up TV serials, Cinemas and Clubs. Fly from evil company. Avoid discussions with materialists. Do not mix with persons who have no faith in God or who criticise your Sadhana.
  3. Limit your needs. Curtail your wants. Reduce your possessions. Have plain living and high thinking.

HEART CULTURE

  1. Doing good to others is the highest form of worship and religion. Do some selfless service for a few hours every week, without egoism or expectation of reward. Do your worldly duties in the same spirit. Work is worship. Dedicate it to God.
  2. Give two to ten percent of your income in charity every month. Share what you have with others. Let the world be your family. Remove ego and selfishness.
  3. Be humble and prostrate yourself to all beings mentally. Feel the Divine Presence everywhere. Give up vanity, pride and hypocrisy.
  4. Have unwavering faith in God, the Holy Scriptures and your Guru. Make a total self-surrender to God and pray: “Thy Will be done; I want nothing.” Submit to the Divine Will in all events and happenings with equanimity.
  5. See God in all beings and love them as your own Self. Do not hate anyone.
  6. Allot and spend atleast 2 to 3 hours a day and 4 to 6 hours on holidays in the company of your parents, wife, children, close relatives and good friends. (Keep your gadgets and business mind away during this time).
  7. Remember God at all times or, at least, on rising from bed, before having your food, during a pause in work and before going to bed. Keep a Maala (rosary) in your pocket.

PSYCHIC CULTURE

  1. Study one chapter or ten to twenty-five verses of your religious scriptures with meaning, daily.
  2. Understand your Holy scriptures, gradually. Try to to practice the teachings of your Holy Books.
  3. Read the life of the Saints, Nayanmars, Azhwars, Sithas daily or on holidays.
  4. Attend religious meetings, Prayers, Poojas, Kirtans and Satsanga of saints at every opportunity. If possible, Organise such functions on Sundays or holidays.
  5. Visit a temple or place of worship at least once a week and meditate upon the God for atleast for 25 minutes sitting in the Temple.
  6. Spend holidays and leave-periods, when possible, in the company of Gurus or practice Sadhana at holy places in seclusion.

SPIRITUAL CULTURE

  1. Go to bed early preferably at 9 pm. Get up at four o’clock. Answer calls of nature, clean your mouth and take a bath.
  2. Recite some prayers and Kirtan Dhvanis. Practice Pranayama, Japa and meditation from five to six o’clock. Sit on Padma, Siddha, or Sukha Asana throughout, without movement, by gradual practice.
  3. Perform the daily Sandhya, Gayatri Japa, Nityakarma and worship, if any.
  4. Write your favourite Mantra or Name of God in a notebook or Do Mantra Japa for ten to thirty minutes, daily.
  5. Sing and pray the Names of God (Kirtan), prayers, Stotras and Bhajans for half to one hour at night with family and friends.
  6. Make annual resolves on the above lines. Regularity, tenacity and fixity are essential. Record your Sadhana in a spiritual diary daily. Review it every month and correct your failures.

(Taken from the Lectures on The Philosophy, Psychology and Practice of Yoga by Swami Chidananda)