Dharmic Dinacharya (धार्मिक दिनचर्या)

Dharmic dinacharya (Samskrit: धार्मिक दिनचर्या) refers to the Indian style of living in a systematic and controlled manner according to the principles of Sanatana Dharma or Hindu Dharma. This system and control in their way of living is the reason behind the longevity, intensity, unique knowledgeability, wonderful genius and clairvoyant powers of Sanatana Dharma. One can observe the classical, economic, cultural and scientific discipline in the Indian way of living. Someone who aspires for wholesome welfare should imbibe the daily routine as prescribed by the scriptures. Daily routine is intricately related to Dharma and spirituality plays a significant role in the deep thinking process.

Introduction

Daily routine involves a systematic sequence of Vedic duties. All parts of this sequence are of utmost importance and all the daily rituals are performed in order respectively. The manifold points of the daily routine are found in the scriptures relating to ethics, religious scriptures and scriptures of Ayurveda. Based on the effects of natural elements on the human body and the climate, the timings prescribed for the daily routine is fine tuned. From the perspective of Dharma and Yoga, break of dawn is considered to be the auspicious beginning of the day. This system is also accepted by the scriptures of Ayurveda and astrology. The group of saints and sages have propagated to spend 24 hours of a day in a streamlined manner. In short, this period is classified as follows:

• Brahma muhurt + Dawn = Presumably between 3/4 AM till 6/7 AM based on the seasonal changes. Time to perform Sandhyavandana (worship of Sun), worship of deities and morning yajna rituals.
• Dawn + Time between milking of the cows till they are taken for grazing (Early Morning) = Presumably between 6/7 AM till 9/10 AM. Time to procure or gather tools required for one’s occupation.
• Time between milking of the cows till they are taken for grazing (Early Morning) + Forenoon = Time between 9/10 AM till 12 PM.
• Mid-day (Noon) + Afternoon = Time between 12 PM till 3 PM.
• Afternoon + Dusk = Presumably between 3 PM till 6/7 PM.
• Evening Time prior to nightfall = Presumably between 6/7 PM till 9/10 PM.
• Time to sleep (2 consecutive 3 hour periods, 6 hours) = Between 9/10 PM till Early morning 3/4 AM.

In Bharatavarsha the daily routine undergoes some change with the change in seasons. In the summer and winter seasons the early morning and evening time gets extended or reduced presumably by an hour or so in the daily activities and business world. The disbursal time of sunlight and darkness increases the gap between morning and evening time in world activities.

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-

प्रतिदिनं कर्त्तव्या चर्या दिनचर्या। (इन्दू) दिने-दिने चर्या दिनस्य वा चर्या दिनचर्या, चरणचर्या।(अ०हृ०सू०)

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.

Benefits of having a daily routine

To keep the entire human race healthy and devoid of diseases, the focus on daily routine is established. If the daily routine is in harmony with the laws of nature, then it brings about welfare of human race instead of destruction. A man’s health is dependent on the food that he eats, the forms of recreation he indulges in and the different activities he undertakes during the entire day. Daily routine is very essential for maintaining healthy living. Even the daily routines of birds and animals are synchronized with the laws of nature. That is why it is necessary to behave in accordance with the laws of nature (as prescribed by Dharma).

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॥

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^th 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-

• ब्राह्म मुहूर्तम्॥ Brahma muhurta
• प्रातः जागरण॥ Pratah Jagarana (waking up in the early morning hours)
• करदर्शन॥ Kar Darshana (looking at the palm of our hand)
• भूमिवन्दना॥ Bhumi Vandana (Offering salutations to Mother Earth)
• मंगलदर्शन॥ Mangala Darshana (the auspicious glimpse)
• अभिवादन॥ Abhivadana (friendly wishes and greetings)
• अजपाजप॥ Ajapajapa (practicing breath meditation)
• उषा काल॥ Ushakala (dawn break Ayurveda prescribed activities)
• शौचाचार॥ Shouchara (clearing of bowels and passing urine)
• दन्तधावन एवं मुखप्रक्षालन॥ Dantadhavana Evam Mukhaprakshalana (brushing of teeth and rinsing of mouth)
• व्यायाम॥ Vyayama (exercise physically)
• तैलाभ्यंग॥ Tailabhyanga (massaging oil on the body)
• क्षौर॥ Kshaura (hair cutting and shaving on specific days)
• स्नान॥ Snana (bathing)
• वस्त्रपरिधान॥ Vastra paridhana (wearing clothes)
• पूजाविधान॥ Pujavidhana (performing ritualistic puja)
• योगसाधना॥ Yoga sadhana (performing yoga exercises)
• यज्ञोपवीत धारण॥ Yagyopavita Dharana (wearing yajnopavita at prescribed times)
• तिलक-आभरण धारण॥ Tilaka Abharana Dharana (smearing of tilak on the forehead and other ornaments)
• संध्योपासना-आराधना॥ Sandhyopasana- Aradhana (performing sandhyopasana rituals and japa)
• तर्पण॥ Tarpana (offering of water to pitrs)
• पञ्चमहायज्ञ॥ Pancha mahayajna (five yajnas prescribed for a grihastha)
• भोजन॥ Bhojana (consuming meals)
• लोक संग्रह-व्यवहार-जीविका॥ Lokasangraha- Vyavahara jivika (engaging in activities for self-sustenance or livelihood)
• संध्या-गोधूलि-प्रदोष॥ Saayam Sandhya (performing ritualistic activities prescribed at the time of dusk)
• शयनविधि॥ Shayana Vidhi (preparation for sleep and related activities)

Divisions of Dharmic Dinacharya

ब्राह्ममुहूर्त ॥ Brahma Muhurta

Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)

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.

रात्रेः पश्चिम यामस्य मुहूर्तो यस्तृतीयकः । स ब्राह्म इति विज्ञेयो विहितः स प्रबोधने॥

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

Early morning time is blessed with utmost silence, serenity, sanitation and life force giving powers. By waking up early in the morning, one is able to get rid of laziness and feels energetic and one’s mind is filled with happiness and vivaciousness. The environment at this hour is very calm and peaceful. Trees and plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out life giving oxygen and that is the reason behind people going for morning walks to parks and gardens so that they can enjoy the beauty of nature which helps them feel fresh and happy throughout the day. During this time of the day, cool, fragrant breeze blows which is engulfed by the effect of moonlight and starlight that is beneficial for our health and overall well-being. We get the elixir like benefit of the moonlit and starlit sky if we go out during this time of the day for a walk.

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-

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मी करमध्ये सरस्वती। करपृष्ठे च गोविन्दः प्रभाते कर-दर्शनम्।।

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-

अयं मे हस्तो भगवान अयं मे भगवत्तरः । अयं मे विश्वभेषजोऽयं शिवाभिमर्शनः॥ (ऋ० १०।६०।१२)

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

It is considered to be a harbinger of luck if, upon waking up, one prostrates to Mother Earth, who bestows us with shelter. Hence it is rightly said in Ramayana - जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ।

Our motherland is considered even better than heaven. That is why the Vedas have also ordered us to prostrate before our motherland.

शिला भूमिरश्मा पांसुः सा भूमिः संधृता धृता। तस्यै हिरण्यवक्षसे पृथिव्या अकरं नमः॥ (अथर्व० १२।१।२६)।

मंगलदर्शन॥ Mangala Darshana or Auspicious sightings

Immediately after waking up in the morning hours, as and when possible, one should look at auspicious things (cow, basil plant, fig tree, Ganga, idol of a deity etc.) whichever is available and after doing that prostrate before our parents, elders and teachers residing in the house.

अभिवादन॥ Abhivadana or greetings

Main article: Abhivadana and Namaskara (अभिवादन और नमस्कार)

अभिमुखीकरणाय वादनं नामोच्चारणपूर्वकनमस्कारः अभिवादनम् ।

Prostration and greetings are considered to be the supremely pure and positive behaviour of a human being. There are many benefits that one derives by prostrating to our elders-

अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः ।चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्विद्या यशो बलम्॥

Translation- People who are of a good character and humble, who respect elders and greet them well and who serve their elders are blessed with growth in all these four aspects namely: age, knowledge, prosperity and strength.

अजपाजप॥ Ajapajapa or breathing

The chant which is completed just by breathing in and out, without pronouncing any of them is termed as Ajapa.

न जप्यते नोच्चार्यते (श्वासप्रश्वासयोः गमनागमनाभ्यां सम्पाद्यते)इति अजपा॥(शब्दकल्पद्रुमे)

There is no doubt as to the contention that, just by the mere intention of this Gayatri named Ajapa, which has the capacity to bestow salvation even to the yogis, a living soul can attain salvation from this material world-

अजपा नाम गायत्री योगिनां मोक्षदायिनी। तस्याः संकल्पमात्रेण जीवन्मुक्तो न संशयः॥(नित्यकर्मपूजाप्रकाशमें_अंगिरा)

शौचाचार॥ Shouchara or purification

One should always keep endeavouring to practice purity of thoughts and actions because the original essence of a Brahmin(teacher), Kshatriya (warrior), Vaishya(businessman) is purity of thoughts and actions. When one doesn’t adhere to this practice all their efforts and endeavours prove to be fruitless. After waking up during the Brahma muhurta or divine hour and getting up from the comfort of their bedding, one should immediately attend to purification. Purification is primarily divided into two- purification of the exterior and purification of the interior.

शौचं तु द्विविधं प्रोक्तं बाह्यमाभ्यन्तरं तथा। मृज्जलाभ्यां स्मृतं बाह्यं भावशुद्धिस्तथान्तरम् ॥ (वाधूलस्मृ०१९)

Translation- The exterior purification which is materialized by using water and soil is external and is necessary to be undertaken without interruption, but it is not established unless the internal purification is achieved. Maintaining purity of sentiments is considered to be internal purification. Not harbouring feelings of envy, hatred, anger, greed, desire, disgust etc. towards anyone is considered to be internal purification. Shreevyagrapad has said-

गंगातोयेन कृत्स्नेन मृद्धारैश्च नगोपमैः । आमृत्योश्चाचरन् शौचं भावदुष्टो न शुध्यति । (आचारेन्दु)

As long as one doesn’t attain internal purification, then how much ever he tries to purify himself externally by using a mountain’s worth of soil and all of the water flowing in the Ganga over an entire lifetime, he would not be considered pure.

Internal purity is supremely important because divinity resides inside of every atman. So we should see the divinity within everyone, look at every circumstance in life as divine blessing, be devoid of anger and hatred towards anyone and maintain harmony and friendly relations with everyone. Along with this, one should also keep reminiscing about the Supreme every living moment of life and follow all the rituals prescribed in the sacred texts, by considering it to be the order of the Supreme.

दन्तधावन एवं मुखप्रक्षालन॥ Dantadhavana Evam Mukhaprakshalana or Cleaning of teeth and rinsing of mouth

Cleaning of the teeth and rinsing of the mouth comes next in line after purification. Without purification of the mouth, indulging in activities like ritual worship and chanting mantras etc. become fruitless and therefore one should daily clean their teeth for the purpose of purifying the mouth. By cleaning one’s teeth, our teeth become clean and strong. It also helps to get rid of bad breath. Sanatana Dharma prescribes the use of a twig of a tree for the cleaning of teeth.

व्यायाम॥ Vyayama or Physical Exercise

Main article: Vyayama(व्यायामम्)

The importance of exercise in one’s lifestyle is as important as a meal. Just as it is necessary to consume a meal on a daily basis, to keep our body nourished and energised so also it is equally inevitable to exercise, in order to digest that consumed meal. For a follower or Sanatana Dharma, there is as much devotion and love for exercise in his heart, as he has towards bathing, Sandhyavandan and worship of the deities. An overview of the most ancient sacred books of our nation makes it clear that right from time immemorial exercise has been an important aspect of human existence. Vyayaam or exercise involved the following important kinds widely in practice - Surya namaskara, Asana or bodily and sitting postures, wielding the Mudgara (a hammer like implement) and Gadha (mace), and wrestling etc.

Indian forms of physical exercise are largely divided into two main parts and many sub-divisions. The purpose of both these divisions are physical development. But out of those two types of exercise, one is called exercise and another is called asana or the pose assumed in Yoga. The function of asanas is to achieve pure, disease-free physical development, which would help to get rid of the reasons that cause disease.

तैलाभ्यंग॥ Tailabhyanga or Oil massage

In the context of the Indian lifestyle, before and after bathing and after washing one’s face, anointing of one’s body with oil, scrubbing the body, massaging the body or lubrication is prescribed. This system is followed right from early childhood. In Bharatvarsha, massaging the body with warm oil before exercising and external purification of body is a system that has been prevalent since ancient times. Oil massage lends strength to the bones and beauty and glow to the skin of a person. It also protects the body from myalgia and rheumatic ailments thereby making the body capable of enduring physical labour.

स्नान॥ Snana or Bath

Main article: Snana_vidhi(स्नान_विधि)

The description of early morning bath is now being given. The scientific significance of this being that the effect of the nectar of the moon, which is contained in the water through moonlight lends potency and vigour to the water. When the sun rises, all of these virtues of the water gets attracted by the sun rays and therefore, only a person who takes a bath before sunrise can reap the benefits of this moon nectar absorbed by the water.

वस्त्रपरिधान॥ Vastra paridhana or Clothing apparel

After waking up during the Brahma Muhurta and attending to the morning prescribed activities like bathing etc., clothing apparel also has an intimate relationship with human life. Right since the Vedic times up until now, clothes have been used to cover up the human body. During ancient times leaves and barks of trees, bushy grass and animal skin were being transformed for being used as clothing to cover one’s body.

वस्यते आच्छाद्यतेऽनेनेति वस्त्रम् – Anything that is being used to cover up one’s body is termed as clothing apparel. In Sanatana Dharmic culture specific clothing apparel is created for a Brahmachari or a student, graduate, householder, hermit etc.

पूजा विधान॥ Pujavidhana or Method to perform worship

Main article: Puja_And_Yoga_(पूजा_एवं_योग)

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.

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 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.

यज्ञोपवीत धारण॥ Yagyopavita Dharana

उपनयन के समय पिता तथा आचार्यके द्वारा त्रैवर्णिकवटुकों को यज्ञोपवीत धारण करवाया जाता है।

At the time of Upanayana, initiation for education, yajnopavita is adorned on the pupil initiate of the three varnas, by the Guru or the father of the student.

तिलक-आभरण धारण॥ Tilaka Abharana Dharana or Application of Tilaka on the forehead

In Sanatana Dharma, as per the prescribed tradition of their Gurus, everyone follows the ritual of either applying ash or sandalwood paste on their forehead in the morning, a significant rule to be followed. An upward directional Tilaka (ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्र) is applied using ganga water, soil or Gopi Sandalwood paste and a three horizontal line Tilaka (त्रिपुण्ड्र) is applied on the forehead using ash and both the types of Tilaka can be applied using white sandalwood paste. But during the nights of festivals sandalwood paste should be applied throughout the body.

The significant secret related to Yogic Kriya is that, between the eyebrows and below the forehead there is a chakra named ‘Aajna’ meaning obedience. Applying Tilak on that spot quickly awakens that chakra and it gets penetrated. This is beneficial for a student's learning process. Similarly, application of sandalwood paste; on the neck awakens the ‘Vishuddh Chakra’, on the heart awakens the ‘Anahat Chakra’ and on the navel awakens the ‘Manipur Chakra’ and helps penetration into these Chakras and offers benefits to these areas. That is why sandalwood paste is applied on the appropriate places. From a scientific view point too, it is beneficial for our health to apply sandalwood paste. It destroys the germs that cause infectious diseases.

संध्योपासना -आराधना ॥ Sandhyopasana- Aradhana or Performing Sun Worship

Main article: Sandhyopasana - Scientific Aspects (सन्ध्योपासन का वैज्ञानिक अंश)

After taking bath, the sequential order of performing Sandhya Vandana is being prescribed in the ancient texts. Once the rite of sacred thread ceremony is performed, then this is part of the daily routine duty of a Dvija (twice-born) or Brahmin. There are a lot of advantages of performing this. Sandhya Vandana is divided primarily into morning, noon and evening hours. Any sin indulged in, inadvertently during the night or day is washed away by performing this, thereby making one’s conscience devoid of impurities and immaculate. By doing this ritual, one stands to gain longevity, wisdom, success, fame and inner spiritual strength. Manu has said –

ऋषयो दीर्घ सन्ध्यत्वाद् दीर्घमायुरवाप्नुयुः । प्रज्ञां यशश्च कीतिश्च ब्रह्मवर्चसमेव च॥

In this way, by doing this, we get physical strength, intellectual powers and spiritual wisdom. By performing Sandhya regularly, through meditation and concentration, we establish a connection with the Parmatma. By sitting on the Sandhya pose and performing Pranayama, one can destroy sins and diseases.

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

नित्यमेव स्नात्वाऽद्भिर्देवानृषींश्च तर्पयन्ति तर्पयन्ति।(गृह्यसूत्र)

There are three main types of Tarpan based on who the water is offered -

Deva Tarpana - to the deities

Rishi Tarpana - to the rishis

Pitra Tarpana - to the pitrs or ancestors

Tarpan is divided into the following types based on the time of performance-

• ब्रह्मयज्ञांग or a part of Brahmayajna - tarpana is performed at the time of Yajna.
• स्नानांग or as a part of bathing - The offering done after daily bath is called Tarpan. It is considered necessary to do this before dawn, noon and dusk times of the day. This is also prescribed to be observed in times of Ashaucha and for living ancestors (on behalf of elders who are unable to perform their own activities).
• श्राद्धांग or as a part of activities of Shraddha - during shraddha karma for pitrs, tarpana of water, rice and even til is an important aspect. In this way, Tarpan should be done on that special occasion.

पञ्चमहायज्ञ॥ Pancha mahayagya or Five Mahayajnas

Usually in the worldly existence, Sandhya Vandana is prescribed to bring about an improvement in one’s future, But other activities such as performing Havan, taking vows of the त्रैविद्य (three types of knowledge or vidya) mentioned in the Vedas in the Brahmacharya ashrama; appeasing the celestial sages and one’s ancestors during the Grhastha ashrama have been prescribed. Panchamahayajnas is a system, where by performing rituals like Tarpana, homa etc. during the stage of a house holder, and by giving birth to a son, by conducting yajnas on a large scale for the prosperity of one’s family, performing rituals like worshipping of the deities - all have been prescribed to make the physical body eligible for attaining Brahma. This system is made to attain freedom from debt and for prosperity. In the Manu Smriti (3.60) clarification is provided as to the Yajnas to be followed to achieve excellent character, an ethical and virtuous behaviour such that dharmik behaviour in a householder’s life is arrived at by inevitably performing the five mahayajnas in the prescribed way. One of the most necessary duty in the life made up of Karma and Dharma, is to study the Vedas and teach it to others, which also finds a mention in the scriptural books like Aranyaka-Gruhasutra-Dharmasutra etc., too.

भोजन॥ Bhojana or Partaking Meals

In Sanatana Dharma, a lot of significance is given to thoughts, actions, meals and behaviour. Among this the method of partaking and cooking meals is given utmost importance. It is said that the food we consume directs the kind of intelligence we possess. When we eat a balanced and harmonious meal, then our mind also stays balanced and calm. When we have a balanced mind, our thoughts are balanced and serene, which sequentially will lead to selfless deeds. A balanced meal keeps our body healthy and our consciousness happy. Extremely bitter, hot, spicy and dry food is said to induce passion. Stale, tasteless, bad odour emitting, adulterated and impure food is said to induce dullness and lethargy.

लोक संग्रह-व्यवहार-जीविका ॥ Loka sangraha- Vyavahara jivika or Activities for livelihood

Every day, after consuming their meal, every person (whether male or female) should indulge in activities for sustaining their livelihood. For two Yamas (which consists of 6 hours) in a day, activities that are meant for subsistence of life should be undertaken with honesty, hard-work, non-violence, free from anger, devoid of greed and using one’s knowledge, brain, talent and intelligence for earning money. How much ever money one makes, one should acquire it not only for their own needs but based on one’s capacity, should use it for the benefit of people dependent on them, their family members, society, state, nation and for the entire humanity.

धनार्जन के माध्यम or Means to earn one’s livelihood

There are various means to acquire money. These methods are more than a thousand in number.  They are divided into many orders and classified into groups as follows-

• भूमिज कर्म - Activities undertaken related to land - Money acquired from land.
• अन्तरिक्षज कर्म - Activities undertaken related to space - Money acquired from exploiting the skies.
• अग्निज कर्म - Activities related to fire - Money acquired through making use of fire.
• दैवज (ब्राह्य.) कर्म - Activities involving duties prescribed to deities - Money acquired by performing Dharmic activities like yajna, worship, chanting, education.
• वारुण कर्म - Activities undertaken related to water- Money acquired through making use of water resources.

All of human being’s livelihood and public behaviour making use of his efforts is included in the five portfolios listed above. The expansion of activities undertaken on land itself gives rise to endless human activities.

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.

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥(दुर्गा सप्तशती)

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-

यदा तु मनसि क्लान्ते कर्मात्मानः क्लमान्विताः। विषयेभ्यो निवर्तन्ते तदा स्वपिति मानवः॥(चर0सूत्र0२९)

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.

न सन्ध्ययोः - One should not sleep during sandhi vela (sunrise-sunset).

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.