SADHANA TATTVA
OR
THE SCIENCE OF SEVEN CULTURES
For Quick Evolution of the Human Being
By
INTRODUCTION
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An ounce of practice
is better than tons of theory. Practice Yoga, Religion and Philosophy in
daily life and attain Self-realization.
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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.
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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 (spiritual
practice) by frequent remembrance of God.
HEALTH
CULTURE
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Eat
moderately. Take light and simple food. Offer it to God before you eat.
Have a balanced diet. Eat a sattvic, organic, vegetarian diet - where possible.
-
Avoid spicy and hot
foods, like chilies, garlic, onions, tamarind, etc., as far as possible.
Give up tea, coffee, smoking, betels, meat and wine entirely.
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Fast on Ekadasi days
or once in a fortnight. Take milk, fruits or roots only.
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Practice Yoga
Asana (Hatha Yoga exercises) or physical exercises for 15 to 30 minutes
every day. Take a long walk or play some vigorous games daily.
ENERGY
CULTURE
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Observe silence (Mouna)
for 2 hours daily and 4 to 8 hours on Sundays.
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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
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Speak the TRUTH. Speak
little. Speak kindly. Speak sweetly.
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Do not injure anyone
in thought, word or deed. Be kind to all.
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Be sincere, straightforward
and open-hearted in your talks and dealings.
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Be honest. Earn by
the sweat of your brow. Do not accept any money, things or favour unless
earned lawfully. Develop nobility
and integrity.
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Control
fits of anger by serenity, patience, love, mercy and tolerance. Forget
and forgive. Adapt yourself to men and events.
WILL
CULTURE
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Live without sugar
for a week or month. Give up salt on Sundays.
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Give up cards, novels,
cinemas and clubs. Fly from evil company. Avoid discussions with materialists.
Do not mix with persons who have no faith in God or who criticize
your Sadhana
(spiritual practices).
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Curtail your wants.
Reduce your possessions. Have plain living and high thinking.
HEART
CULTURE
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Doing good to others
is the highest 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.
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Give 2 to 10 percent
of your income in charity every month. Share what you have with others.
Let the world be your family. Remove selfishness.
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Be humble and prostrate
yourself to all beings mentally. Feel the Divine Presence everywhere. Give
up vanity, pride and hypocrisy.
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Have unwavering faith
in God, the Bhagavad-Gita (and other
genuine spiritual media) and your Guru (Teacher, Guide). 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.
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See God in all beings
and love them as your own Self. Do not hate anyone.
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Remember God at all
times or, at least, on rising from bed, during a pause in work and before
going to bed. Keep a Mala (rosary) in your pocket.
PSYCHIC
CULTURE
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Study one chapter or
ten to twenty-five verses of the Gita or your scriptures with meaning,
daily. Learn the original language of your scripture, at least sufficient
to understand it in original.
-
Memorize important
and inspiring portions of your sacred scripture according to your capacity.
Memorize also any inspiring quotations from other spiritual books. Keep
a pocket version your scripture with you at all times.
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Read the Ramayana,
the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavata, the Upanishads,
the Yogavasishtha or other religious books daily without fail. Study
more during holidays.
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Attend religious meetings
and seek Satsanga (company) with saints at every opportunity. If not, create
opportunities. Listen to spiritual discourses from learned and holy people.
If possible, organize such functions on Sundays or holidays.
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Visit a temple or place
of worship daily. Preferably before you leave and upon your return from
work, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes.
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Spend holidays and
leave-periods, when possible, in the company of saints or practice Sadhana
at holy places in seclusion.
SPIRITUAL
CULTURE
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Go to bed early. Get
up at four o'clock. Answer calls of nature, clean your mouth and take a
bath.
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Recite some prayers
and Kirtan Dhvanis (devotional songs). Practice Pranayama
(breathing exercises), Japa
(repetition of the Divine Name of God) and meditation in the early morning.
Sit on Padma, Siddha, or Sukha Asana throughout, without movement, by gradual
practice. While you meditate, forget the outside world totally. Gradually
increase the period of meditation.
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Perform the daily prayers
of your religion. Do not fail to fulfil your obligatory duties.
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Write your favourite
Mantra or Name of God in a notebook for ten to thirty minutes, daily.
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Sing the Names of God
(Kirtan) and pray for half to one hour at night with family and friends.
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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.
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