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== Definition ==
 
== Definition ==
The activities collectively undertaken from the time one wakes up early in the morning till the time one goes to bed at night is defined as daily routine. In Ayurveda texts and Dharmashastras, Dinacharya or daily routine is defined as follows-
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The activities collectively undertaken from the time one wakes up early in the morning till the time one goes to bed at night is defined as daily routine. In Ayurveda texts and Dharmashastras, Dinacharya or daily routine is defined as follows-<blockquote>प्रतिदिनं कर्त्तव्या चर्या दिनचर्या। (इन्दू) दिने-दिने चर्या दिनस्य वा चर्या दिनचर्या, चरणचर्या।(अ०हृ०सू०)</blockquote>Meaning- Ideal and prescribed activities undertaken on a daily basis is called as daily routine.
 
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प्रतिदिनं कर्त्तव्या चर्या दिनचर्या। (इन्दू) दिने-दिने चर्या दिनस्य वा चर्या दिनचर्या, चरणचर्या।(अ०हृ०सू०)
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Meaning- Ideal and prescribed activities undertaken on a daily basis is called as daily routine.
      
Synonyms to daily routine include आह्निक, दैनिक कर्म, नित्यकर्म  meaning diurnal and daily duties and duties undertaken on a regular basis etc.
 
Synonyms to daily routine include आह्निक, दैनिक कर्म, नित्यकर्म  meaning diurnal and daily duties and duties undertaken on a regular basis etc.
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ब्राह्ममुहूर्ते उत्तिष्ठेत्। कुर्यान् मूत्रं पुरीषं च। शौचं कुर्याद् अतद्धितः । दन्तस्य धावनं कुयात्। प्रातः स्नानं समाचरेत्। तर्पयेत् तीर्थदेवताः । ततश्च वाससी शुद्धे। उत्तरीय सदा धार्यम्। ततश्च तिलकं कुर्यात्। प्राणायामं ततः कृत्वा संध्या-वन्दनमाचरेत्॥ विष्णुपूजनमाचरेत्॥ अतिथिंश्च प्रपूजयेत्। ततो भूतबलिं कुर्यात्। ततश्च भोजनं कुर्यात् प्राङ्मु खो मौनमास्थितः । शोधयेन्मुखहस्तौ च। ततस्ताम्बूलभक्षणम्। व्यवहारं ततः कुर्याद् बहिर्गत्वा यथासुखम्॥ परिचय परिभाषा धार्मिक दिनचर्या से लाभ वेदाभ्यासेन तौ नयेत्। गोधूलौ धर्मं चिन्तयेत्। कृतपादादिशौचस्तुभुक्त्वा सायं ततो गृही॥ यामद्वयंशयानो हि ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्यते॥प्राक्शिराः शयनं कुर्यात्। न कदाचिदुदक् शिराः॥ दक्षिणशिराः वा। रात्रिसूक्तं जपेत्स्मृत्वा। वैदिकैर्गारुडैर्मन्त्रे रक्षां कृत्वा स्वपेत् ततः॥ नमस्कृत्वाऽव्ययं विष्णुं समाधिस्थं स्वपेन्निशि। माङ्गल्यं पूर्णकुम्भं च शिरःस्थाने निधाय च। ऋतुकालाभिगामीस्यात् स्वदारनिरतः सदा।अहिंसा सत्यवचनं सर्वभूतानुकम्पनम्। शमो दानं यथाशक्तिर्गार्हस्थ्यो धर्म उच्यते॥<ref>Upadhyay, Kameshwar. (2011) Hindu jeevan paddhati.  Varanasi: Triskandha Jyotisham Prakashan. (Page 58)</ref>
 
ब्राह्ममुहूर्ते उत्तिष्ठेत्। कुर्यान् मूत्रं पुरीषं च। शौचं कुर्याद् अतद्धितः । दन्तस्य धावनं कुयात्। प्रातः स्नानं समाचरेत्। तर्पयेत् तीर्थदेवताः । ततश्च वाससी शुद्धे। उत्तरीय सदा धार्यम्। ततश्च तिलकं कुर्यात्। प्राणायामं ततः कृत्वा संध्या-वन्दनमाचरेत्॥ विष्णुपूजनमाचरेत्॥ अतिथिंश्च प्रपूजयेत्। ततो भूतबलिं कुर्यात्। ततश्च भोजनं कुर्यात् प्राङ्मु खो मौनमास्थितः । शोधयेन्मुखहस्तौ च। ततस्ताम्बूलभक्षणम्। व्यवहारं ततः कुर्याद् बहिर्गत्वा यथासुखम्॥ परिचय परिभाषा धार्मिक दिनचर्या से लाभ वेदाभ्यासेन तौ नयेत्। गोधूलौ धर्मं चिन्तयेत्। कृतपादादिशौचस्तुभुक्त्वा सायं ततो गृही॥ यामद्वयंशयानो हि ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्यते॥प्राक्शिराः शयनं कुर्यात्। न कदाचिदुदक् शिराः॥ दक्षिणशिराः वा। रात्रिसूक्तं जपेत्स्मृत्वा। वैदिकैर्गारुडैर्मन्त्रे रक्षां कृत्वा स्वपेत् ततः॥ नमस्कृत्वाऽव्ययं विष्णुं समाधिस्थं स्वपेन्निशि। माङ्गल्यं पूर्णकुम्भं च शिरःस्थाने निधाय च। ऋतुकालाभिगामीस्यात् स्वदारनिरतः सदा।अहिंसा सत्यवचनं सर्वभूतानुकम्पनम्। शमो दानं यथाशक्तिर्गार्हस्थ्यो धर्म उच्यते॥<ref>Upadhyay, Kameshwar. (2011) Hindu jeevan paddhati.  Varanasi: Triskandha Jyotisham Prakashan. (Page 58)</ref>
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'''Meaning-''' One should wake up in the time of Brahma muhurta (a time just before dawn), take care of clearing one’s bowels and passing urine, self-purification, brushing of teeth, bathing, make an offering to the divine entities, wearing clean and holy clothes, smearing tilak on their foreheads, perform pranayama or breathing exercises along with Sandhyavandana, ritualistic deity worship, hospitality to guests, feeding of cows and other creatures, consuming meals in silence while facing east, washing hands and mouth after meals, consuming betel leaf and nut, undertaking activities of one’s occupation (For sustenance purposes only), study of the Vedic scriptures after the morning and evening Sandhyavandana, religious contemplation, sacrificial offerings, consuming meals after washing one’s hands and legs, sleeping for 2 yams (6 hours) duration, placing a pot full of water in front of our head for drinking purposes, staying away from wife from the fourth day of her menstruation till the 16<sup>th</sup> day of her menstruation etc. are the streamlined, holy daily routine prescribed by Vedas, which help in the longevity of human life and is a sequence that is listed in the Brahmapurana. This should not be broken or deviated from on account of laziness, or with the intent of ignoring, or because of atheistic beliefs or due to the desire for indulging in sensual pleasures. The above listed daily routine activities can be divided into the categories mentioned below-
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'''Meaning-''' One should wake up in the time of Brahma muhurta (a time just before dawn), take care of clearing one’s bowels and passing urine, self-purification, brushing of teeth, bathing, make an offering to the divine entities, wearing clean and holy clothes, smearing tilak on their foreheads, perform pranayama or breathing exercises along with Sandhyavandana, ritualistic deity worship, hospitality to guests, feeding of cows and other creatures, consuming meals in silence while facing east, washing hands and mouth after meals, consuming betel leaf and nut, undertaking activities of one’s occupation (For sustenance purposes only), study of the Vedic scriptures after the morning and evening Sandhyavandana, religious contemplation, sacrificial offerings, consuming meals after washing one’s hands and legs, sleeping for two yamas (6 hours) duration, placing a pot full of water in front of our head for drinking purposes, staying away from wife from the fourth day of her menstruation till the 16<sup>th</sup> day of her menstruation etc. are the streamlined, holy daily routine prescribed by Vedas, which help in the longevity of human life and is a sequence that is listed in the Brahmapurana. This should not be broken or deviated from on account of laziness, or with the intent of ignoring, or because of atheistic beliefs or due to the desire for indulging in sensual pleasures. The above listed daily routine activities can be divided into the categories mentioned below-
 
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* ब्राह्म मुहूर्तम्॥ Brahma muhurta  
 
* ब्राह्म मुहूर्तम्॥ Brahma muhurta  
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''Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)''
 
''Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)''
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One should wake up during the Brahma Muhurta and contemplate about the meaning of Dharma, get rid of the impurities of one’s mind and meditate on divine nature and the principles of Vedas.
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One should wake up during the Brahma Muhurta and contemplate about the meaning of Dharma, get rid of the impurities of one’s mind and meditate on divine nature and the principles of Vedas.<blockquote>रात्रेः पश्चिम यामस्य मुहूर्तो यस्तृतीयकः । स ब्राह्म इति विज्ञेयो विहितः स प्रबोधने॥</blockquote>'''Translation-''' The third part of the unit of time measured at night is called as the Brahma Muhurta. This is the most ideal time to wake up. Making use of this Brahma Muhurta for our productive work becomes our paramount duty. By doing this we will attain worldly progress on Earth and moksha in the spiritual realm and thereby gain wholesome religious benefit.
 
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रात्रेः पश्चिम यामस्य मुहूर्तो यस्तृतीयकः । स ब्राह्म इति विज्ञेयो विहितः स प्रबोधने॥
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'''Translation-''' The third part of the unit of time measured at night is called as the Brahma Muhurta. This is the most ideal time to wake up. Making use of this Brahma Muhurta for our productive work becomes our paramount duty. By doing this we will attain worldly progress on Earth and moksha in the spiritual realm and thereby gain wholesome religious benefit.
      
==== प्रातः जागरण॥ Time to wake up in the morning ====
 
==== प्रातः जागरण॥ Time to wake up in the morning ====
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==== करदर्शन॥ Kar Darshana or Sighting one’s palms ====
 
==== करदर्शन॥ Kar Darshana or Sighting one’s palms ====
The sighting of one’s palms, in the morning hour is considered auspicious. It is also said-
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The sighting of one’s palms, in the morning hour is considered auspicious. It is also said-<blockquote>कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मी करमध्ये सरस्वती। करपृष्ठे च गोविन्दः प्रभाते कर-दर्शनम्।।</blockquote>According to this, Lakshmi Devi resides in the top most part,  Saraswati Devi resides in the mid-portion and Vishnu resides in the bottom portion of our palm. The significance of hands is not only mentioned in Hindu mythology but also in the Vedas-<blockquote>अयं मे हस्तो भगवान अयं मे भगवत्तरः । अयं मे विश्वभेषजोऽयं शिवाभिमर्शनः॥ (ऋ० १०।६०।१२)</blockquote>According to this mantra, hands are given a position equal to that of a deity. Here, hands are being accepted as the container of extreme strength and resourceful enough to be considered medicinal with the power to cure all ailments.  
 
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कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मी करमध्ये सरस्वती। करपृष्ठे च गोविन्दः प्रभाते कर-दर्शनम्।।
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According to this, Lakshmi Devi resides in the top most part,  Saraswati Devi resides in the mid-portion and Vishnu resides in the bottom portion of our palm. The significance of hands is not only mentioned in Hindu mythology but also in the Vedas-
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अयं मे हस्तो भगवान अयं मे भगवत्तरः । अयं मे विश्वभेषजोऽयं शिवाभिमर्शनः॥ (ऋ० १०।६०।१२)
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According to this mantra, hands are given a position equal to that of a deity. Here, hands are being accepted as the container of extreme strength and resourceful enough to be considered medicinal with the power to cure all ailments.  
      
==== भूमिवन्दना ॥ Bhumi Vandana or Prostration offered to Mother Earth ====
 
==== भूमिवन्दना ॥ Bhumi Vandana or Prostration offered to Mother Earth ====
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Any activity that purifies both the body and inner self, eradicates wicked thoughts and protects one from indulging in sinful activities, by directing them towards auspicious and holy activities is termed as an act of worship. Worship is divided into two based on the distinction between psychic worship or worship done with devotional sentiments and worship with materials. The actual purpose of worship is to personally imitate the holy characteristics of someone worthy of worship by assimilating those virtuous traits in one’s own behaviour.
 
Any activity that purifies both the body and inner self, eradicates wicked thoughts and protects one from indulging in sinful activities, by directing them towards auspicious and holy activities is termed as an act of worship. Worship is divided into two based on the distinction between psychic worship or worship done with devotional sentiments and worship with materials. The actual purpose of worship is to personally imitate the holy characteristics of someone worthy of worship by assimilating those virtuous traits in one’s own behaviour.
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==== योगसाधना ॥ yoga sadhana or Following the discipline of Yoga ====
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==== योगसाधना ॥ Yoga Sadhana or Following the discipline of Yoga ====
 
The practice of Yoga and discipline of following it in one’s daily routine should be necessarily undertaken by man to develop his physical, mental and spiritual strength. The practice of [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)|Yoga]] is primarily focused on meditation and breath control whereas the Yoga exercises or Hatha yoga is focused on movement or pose and actions. Yoga is a coordination of both of them.
 
The practice of Yoga and discipline of following it in one’s daily routine should be necessarily undertaken by man to develop his physical, mental and spiritual strength. The practice of [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)|Yoga]] is primarily focused on meditation and breath control whereas the Yoga exercises or Hatha yoga is focused on movement or pose and actions. Yoga is a coordination of both of them.
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==== तर्पण॥ Tarpana or Appeasing ancestors ====
 
==== तर्पण॥ Tarpana or Appeasing ancestors ====
Tarpan means offering of water or the act of satisfying. Just as the rakshasas (मन्देह) are burnt to ashes by Surya-arghya offered in the evening worship, similarly Tarpan brings welfare to the entire universe. Therefore, every one entitled must perform Tarpan daily  
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Tarpan means offering of water or the act of satisfying. Just as the rakshasas (मन्देह) are burnt to ashes by Surya-arghya offered in the evening worship, similarly Tarpan brings welfare to the entire universe. Therefore, every one entitled must perform Tarpan daily<ref>Radheshyam Khemka, 2014 Nityakarma Puja Prakash, Gita Press Gorakhpur (Page 92)</ref> <blockquote>नित्यमेव स्नात्वाऽद्भिर्देवानृषींश्च तर्पयन्ति तर्पयन्ति। (गृह्यसूत्र)</blockquote>There are three main types of Tarpan based on who the water is offered -
 
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नित्यमेव स्नात्वाऽद्भिर्देवानृषींश्च तर्पयन्ति तर्पयन्ति।(गृह्यसूत्र)
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There are three main types of Tarpan based on who the water is offered -
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Deva Tarpana - to the deities
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Rishi Tarpana - to the rishis  
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* Deva Tarpana - to the deities
 
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* Rishi Tarpana - to the rishis  
Pitra Tarpana - to the pitrs or ancestors
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* Pitra Tarpana - to the pitrs or ancestors
    
Tarpan is divided into the following types based on the time of performance-
 
Tarpan is divided into the following types based on the time of performance-
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==== शयनविधि॥ Shayana Vidhi or Preparation for Sleep ====
 
==== शयनविधि॥ Shayana Vidhi or Preparation for Sleep ====
Before retiring for the day, one should recite the ratri sukta. The person who recites this remains completely safe from nightmares, insomnia, sleep disturbances, fear, fear of sleeping alone, fear of ghosts, sudden catastrophes etc. After sleeping at night, a person is protected from poisonous snakes. Such a person overcomes fear of death from fire, poisonous air etc. Therefore, in ancient India one used to sleep only after reciting Ratrisukta. It should be recited especially when there is fear of unwanted nightly happenings. It can also be read to overcome insomnia and hypersomnia.<blockquote>या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥(दुर्गा सप्तशती)</blockquote>The divine element itself resides in the body in the form of sleep. Therefore, one should sleep after paying obeisance to  Nidra Devi. Nature has included sleep in the body only for the relaxation of the body. Therefore, the process by which the body can rest is called sleep as in देहं विश्रमते यस्मात् तस्मान् निद्राप्रकीर्तिता।
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Before retiring for the day, one should recite the ratri sukta. The person who recites this remains completely safe from nightmares, insomnia, sleep disturbances, fear, fear of sleeping alone, fear of ghosts, sudden catastrophes etc. After sleeping at night, a person is protected from poisonous snakes. Such a person overcomes fear of death from fire, poisonous air etc. Therefore, in ancient India one used to sleep only after reciting Ratrisukta. It should be recited especially when there is fear of unwanted nightly happenings. It can also be read to overcome insomnia and hypersomnia.<blockquote>या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥(दुर्गा सप्तशती)</blockquote>The divine element itself resides in the body in the form of sleep. Therefore, one should sleep after paying obeisance to  Nidra Devi. Nature has included sleep in the body only for the relaxation of the body. Therefore, the process by which the body can rest is called sleep as in देहं विश्रमते यस्मात् तस्मान् निद्राप्रकीर्तिता। Only the one who lives by the essence of Dharma attains happy sleep. Only a person who has a timely routine falls asleep and wakes up at the right time. Therefore, one should sleep after paying obeisance to Vaishnavi Shakti, Yogamaya Nidra Devi. Sleep definition-<blockquote>यदा तु मनसि क्लान्ते कर्मात्मानः क्लमान्विताः। विषयेभ्यो निवर्तन्ते तदा स्वपिति मानवः॥(चर0सूत्र0२९)</blockquote>When the mind gets tired, the senses get tired. Due to tiredness of the senses, mind retires from seeking outward objects and the person falls asleep.
 
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Only the one who lives by the essence of Dharma attains happy sleep. Only a person who has a timely routine falls asleep and wakes up at the right time. Therefore, one should sleep after paying obeisance to Vaishnavi Shakti, Yogamaya Nidra Devi. Sleep definition-<blockquote>यदा तु मनसि क्लान्ते कर्मात्मानः क्लमान्विताः। विषयेभ्यो निवर्तन्ते तदा स्वपिति मानवः॥(चर0सूत्र0२९)</blockquote>When the mind gets tired, the senses get tired. Due to tiredness of the senses, mind retires from seeking outward objects and the person falls asleep.
      
यामद्वयं शयानस्तु ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते – Do not sleep for more than six hours.
 
यामद्वयं शयानस्तु ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते – Do not sleep for more than six hours.
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In religious scriptures, there is often a provision for रात्रि जागरण or keeping awake all night as a part of many festivals. The aim is that wherever there is a provision for jagarana (awakeness at night), there is provision for fasting also. By fasting and staying awake at night, both the phlegm and fire elements remain calm and balanced. Excessive sleep and insomnia both cause pain to the body in the form of diseases. While insomnia causes weakness of limbs, heaviness of head, yawning, stiffness, guilt, labor, indigestion, drowsiness and gas related diseases, excessive sleep causes laxity, heaviness in the brain, slow blood circulation and many types of mental illnesses. According to Ayurveda, hypersomnia is cured by body detoxification, head detoxification, exercise, smoking (as per Ayurvedic procedure), fasting and worship etc.
 
In religious scriptures, there is often a provision for रात्रि जागरण or keeping awake all night as a part of many festivals. The aim is that wherever there is a provision for jagarana (awakeness at night), there is provision for fasting also. By fasting and staying awake at night, both the phlegm and fire elements remain calm and balanced. Excessive sleep and insomnia both cause pain to the body in the form of diseases. While insomnia causes weakness of limbs, heaviness of head, yawning, stiffness, guilt, labor, indigestion, drowsiness and gas related diseases, excessive sleep causes laxity, heaviness in the brain, slow blood circulation and many types of mental illnesses. According to Ayurveda, hypersomnia is cured by body detoxification, head detoxification, exercise, smoking (as per Ayurvedic procedure), fasting and worship etc.
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== Dinacharya - When and How? ==
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Dinacharya can only take place at one's stable residence in an orderly fashion. There are also many people who live their daily routine the same way everywhere. Travel, adversity, stress, deprivation, and weather do not affect them. Such people are called resolute. To accomplish any task, it is necessary to be resolute and focused.<ref>Shri Babulal Gupta, (1966) Sanatana dharm ka vaijnanik rahasya, Lucknow: Hindi Pracharak Mandal (Page 181)</ref> This is the injunction of the shastras<blockquote>मनसा नैत्यक कर्म प्रवसन्नप्यतन्द्रितः। उपविश्य शुचिः सर्वं यथाकालमनुद्रवेत्‌॥ (Katy. Smrt. 9.98.2)</blockquote>Even during the journey, one should do all the nitya karma sitting as usual, without being lazy, being pure. At your residence, one should follow the rules at all times without fail. While traveling, dinacharya should be reduced  in half. There is no routine when you are sick. The rule of routine does not compel when disaster strikes - <blockquote>स्वग्रामे पूर्णमाचारं पथ्यर्धं मुनिसत्तम। आतुरे नियमो नास्ति महापदि तथेव च॥ (Brahmanda Purana)</blockquote>There are as many living beings on this earth as there are other than human beings. Most of their time is lost in searching for food and if food is available, they fall asleep. Food and sleep are desired by non-human creatures on earth. Man rises above food and sleep to become Vrati (regulated) and Gudakesha (one who has overcome sleep). This is the direction of the Indian way of life.<ref name=":0">Shri Radheshyam Khemka, Jeevan Charitra, Geeta Press, Gorakhpur, 2010 (pp. 15). </ref>
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=== Setting Daily Tasks ===
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* Be motivated at this time, to make a list of tasks for the day and night.
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* What are the dharmik activities to be performed today?
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* What should we earn our income?
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* So, is there any physical distress? If so, what are its causes and what is its antithesis?
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Such self assessment should be performed and a schedule of daily activities should be set after awakening in the morning. This ensures that our daily tasks can be completed smoothly.<ref>Pandit Lal Bihari Mishra, Nityakarma Puja Prakash, Geeta Press Gorakhpur (Page 14).</ref>
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=== Dharmik Importance of Dinacharya ===
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However long a life of a person may be, he can perform all his daily activities within the specified 24 hour day. He performs Nitya karma (Dinacharya), Naimittika karma (birth-death-shraddha-sanskaras related activities etc.) and Kamya Karma (activities performed with specific intent or desires) within twenty-four timeframe. Between these cycles (one sunrise to the next sunrise), he is born, grows and attains death.<blockquote>अस्मिन्नेव प्रयुञ्जानो यस्मिन्नेव तु लीयते। तस्मात्‌ सर्वप्रयत्नेन कर्त्तव्यं सुखमिच्छता। । Daks. Smrt. 28.57</blockquote>Therefore, it is necessary to make every effort to be happy. One should harmonize and streamline one's daily routine by effortfully commanding one's mind and intellect. The one who wakes up in the [[Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)|Brahma Muhurta]] and takes a bath and performs puja, who takes his timely morning meals, performs his livelihood related activities in the afternoon and timely evening and nightly activities, does not attain sudden destruction in his life -<blockquote>सर्वत्र मध्यमौ यामौ हुतशेषं हविश्च यत्‌। भुञ्जानश्च शयानश्च ब्राह्मणो नावसीदती॥ (Daks. Smri. 2.58)</blockquote>One who wakes up in Ushakala or early dawn hours, performs cleansing activities, worships Gayatri-Surya, gives food to other living beings, gives hospitality to others followed by taking meals, works for livelihood for six hours a day, pays obeisance to the Sun in the evening, contemplates on livelihood, learning, etc. at nightfall, and has a comfortable sleep for six hours a night, is the one who can accomplish any desired work on this earth. So it is routine that makes a person great. Those who are not disciplined in their daily routine cannot be successful and long-lived in long life. Therefore, first of all, one should discipline yourself. A disciplined personality is the best in the creation and discipline is an integral part of the routine.
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Shastras state the importance of routine. Both Ayurvedic sciences which describes the nutritional requirements of the body and Manas-shastra which is the instrument for the positive development of the mind are included in daily Dinacharya. Proper observance of routine destroys disease, bad habits and mental ailments.
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== Ayurvedic Dinacharya ==
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Main article: Dinacharya
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[[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|Ayurveda]] directs that Dinacharya, [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]], diet and exercise are the path to health and well-being. The tradition of Ayurveda is very ancient as it began with the Vedas. A person who follows the path taught by Ayurveda, if an ascetic, also transcends the limits of longevity by more than a hundred years. By austerities, self-control, suitable activities, and diet, one attains the desired age. Maharshi Vyasa said -<blockquote>पुरुषाः सर्वसिद्धाश्च चतुर्वर्षशतायुषः। कृते त्रेतादिकेऽप्येवं पादशो हृसति क्रमात्॥</blockquote>In the Krita (Satya) yuga, men lived for up to four hundred years. They could accomplish everything. Men lived for three hundred years in Tretayuga, two hundred years in Dvapara yuga, and for a hundred years or less in Kali Yuga. Purusha means - Pura meaning the body which is inhabited by the conscious element ([[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]]). They are called [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]] or bodily entity. Hence, the distinction between male and female is not available in the Atman. Diseases arise both in the body and in the mind from one's own karma - कर्मजा हि शरीरेषु रोगाः शरीरमानसाः। शरा इव पतन्तीह विमुखा दृढधन्विभिः॥
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In his commentary to the Charaka Samhita, Sri Chakrapanidatta wrote that physical diseases include leprosy etc, and mental diseases are passion etc, and mania etc, are those arising from both the body and the mind. The body should be protected by doing all the things in the world.
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== Vidyarthi Dinacharya - Student's Routine ==
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The student's routine is to sleep on time and wake up on time, which make him healthy and long-lived. Such education was imparted to children in the past. Nowadays, children sleep and wake up late. In ancient times, the day of Rishis and Munis used to begin with Brahma muhurta, but today in modern times, there is work in the night and sleep in the day. The routines of earlier times were in harmony with nature. The more nature-friendly the routine, the more health-promoting it is. Adherence to the shastric precepts reduces rajas and tamas and increases sattvaguna. Dharmik dinacharya is instrumental in leading a person on a progressive path just as with others such as jnana yoga, karma yoga, etc.<blockquote>शरीरं चैव वाचं च बुद्धीन्द्रिय मनांसि च। नियम्य प्राञ्जलिस्तिष्ठेद् वीक्षमाणो गुरोर्मुखम् ॥ सत्येन ब्रहमचर्येण व्यायामेनाथ विद्यया। देशभक्त्याऽऽत्मत्यागेन सम्मानार्हो सदा भव॥</blockquote>Arise at Brahma Muhurta and perform bathing, Sandhyavandan,  Gayatri japa and immerse into tapas thus starting activities of daily living in an auspicious way. Worship the deities Saraswati and Ganesha. Perform yoga and exercise in suitable way. Vidya should be imbibed by concentrating the body, mind, speech, intellect, senses before the Guru. Vidyarthis gain respect through truth, Brahmacharya (celibacy), exercise, education, patriotism, and self giving nature.
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== Dinacharya of ShriRamchandra ==
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Dinacharya is defined as the actions or conduct of a person from waking up in the morning to going to bed at night. Shriramchandraji's daily routine was systematic and in accordance with the Dharmik texts. The daily routine began with a variety of dharmik acts. Offering tarpans to the deities, Sandhyopasana and chanting of mantras were an integral part of his daily routine, after arising in the early morning hours and finishing bath. The routine of Shri Ram described in the Ramayana is ideal and exemplary to all mankind.<blockquote>प्रभातकाले चोत्थाय पूर्वां सन्ध्यामुपास्य च। प्रशुची परमं जाप्यं समाप्य नियमेन च॥ हुताग्निहोत्रमासीनं विश्वामित्रमवन्दताम् ॥</blockquote>
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== Energy Cycle and Routine ==
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A man's day begins with the end of and ends with the start of sleep. Those who want to be healthy should pay attention to which organs and functions in the body are particularly active. We can be healthy if we follow a routine that is harmonious with nature. Routines should be designed to maximize the potential of the body's organs. The flow of life-energy though happens to all parts of the body it is not the same flow of energy all the time. Almost every organ is relatively less active for some time.<ref name=":0" />
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Requirements of daily routine according to the energy cycle are as follows
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{| class="wikitable"
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!S. No
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!Time Cycle
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!Body Parts
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!Related Function
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|-
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|1
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|Before Sunrise 3 to 5 am
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|The the lungs are filled with prana or life energy.
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|Every morning one should get up in the Brahma Muhurta and walk in the open air. Pranayama and breathing exercises are a must, it makes the lungs healthy. The lungs receive pure air, which when oxygenates with the blood hemoglobin making the body healthy and invigorated. From 5 am onwards prana energy goes to the intestine from the lungs.
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|-
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|2
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|From morning 5 to 7 am
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|Activity/movement in the large intestines.
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|From 5 am to 7 am there is special effect on this organ making it more active. Hence this the best time for defecation, a person who does not clean the bowels have constipation, or an upset stomach. At this time, one should get up and do yoga and exercise.
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|-
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|3
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|From morning 7 to 9 am
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|The effect of life-force (prana) is greatest in the digestive system (stomach).
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|At this time, digestion takes place easily with the cleansing of the large intestine from 7 to 9 a.m. So one should eat at this time as the breakfast gets easily digested and we are less prone to digestive disorders. Eating by 9 a.m. improves circulation and makes us feel energized.
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|-
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|4
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|From morning 9 to 11 am
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|High activity of spleen and pancreas at this time
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|It is at this time our body makes the most pancreatic juices and insulin. These juices are of particular importance in digestion. So those who are diabetic or suffering from any digestive disease, should consume food by this time.
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|-
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|5
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|From 11 am to 1 pm
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|There is high life force in heart.
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|Heart symbolizes our emotions, compassion, kindness, and love. If we eat at this time, most of the senses are attracted to the taste of food. Hence the heart cannot receive the full life force from nature.
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|-
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|6
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|From 1 pm to 3 pm
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|The small intestines receive the high flow of prana
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|The main function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients and maximize the release of residues into the large intestine.  In this time it is best not to take food, as the small intestine does not function to its full potential.
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|-
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|7
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|Afternoon 3 pm to 5 pm
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|High pranic energy in the Urinary bladder
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|The main function of this organ is to regulate water and  fluids.
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|-
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|8
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|Evening 5 pm to 7 pm
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|The kidneys have the most energy.
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|Evening meals should be eaten at this time, so that we avoid kidney and ear related diseases.
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|-
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|9
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|Evening 7 pm to 9 pm
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|Flow of energy is in the brain
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|Students should learn their lessons as they tend to remember them well at this time quickly.
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|-
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|10
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|From night 9 pm to 11 pm
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|Spinal chord receives high flow of pranic energy
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|It is the best time to sleep so that our spine gets complete rest.
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|-
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|11
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|From 11 pm to 1 am at night
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|Maximum flow of energy in the gallbladder.
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|Its main function is to regulate the accumulation of bile and  mental activity. Staying awake at this time increases  diseases related to bile and eyes.
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|-
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|12
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|From 1 am to 3 am at night
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|Liver receives maximum flow of energy
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|The liver is the main organ of our body. One should take complete rest at this time. This is the time of deep sleep, at this time the outside environment is also calm, only then these organs absorb the special energy received from nature. If you stay up late at night, there is a gallbladder disorder, adverse eye effects, etc. The temperament becomes irritable and individuals become stubborn. If you have to stay up late at night for any reason, drink 1 glass of water after every 1 hour.
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|}
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The vital energy from the liver goes back to the lungs. In this way, life goes on continuously for twenty-four hours. Nowadays, the person's life is running the opposite of nature. The time of sunrise or sunset does not correspond to their daily routine. As a result, diseases are on the rise. If we follow the rules, we will be healthy and live disease-free for 100 years.
    
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
[[Category:Dharmas]]
 
[[Category:Dharmas]]
 
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
 
[[Category:Ayurveda]]

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