An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory. Practice Yoga, Religion and Philosophy in daily life and
attain Self-realization (eternal peace).
These thirty-two instructions give the essence of the Eternal Religion 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.
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
Eat moderately. Take light simple food. Offer it to God before you eat. Have a balanced diet.
Avoid spicy and hot foods, like chillies, garlic, onions, tamarind etc., as far as possible. Give up
tea, coffee, smoking, betels, meat and wine entirely.
Fast on Ekadasi days or once in a fortnight. Take milk, fruits or roots only.
Practice Yoga Asana or physical exercises for 15 to 30 minutes every day. Take a long walk or play some
vigorous games daily.
Energy Culture
Observe silence for 2 hours daily and 4 to 8 hours on Sundays.
Observe celibacy according to your age and circumstances.
Ethical Culture
Speak the TRUTH. Speak little. Speak kindly. Speak sweetly.
Do not injure anyone in thought, word or deed. Be kind to all.
Be sincere, straightforward and open-hearted in your talks and dealings.
Be honest. Earn by the sweat of your brow. Do not accept any money, things or
favour unless earned lawfully. Develop nobility and integrity.
Control fits of anger by serenity, patience, love, mercy and tolerance. Forget and forgive.
Adapt yourself to men and events.
Will Culture
Live without sugar for a week or month. Give up salt on Sundays.
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 Spritual practice.
Curtail your wants. Reduce your possessions. Have plain living and high thinking.
Heart Culture
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.
Give 2 to 10 percent of your income in charity every month. Let the world be your family. Remove selfishness.
Be humble and prostrate yourself to all beings mentally. Feel the Divine Presence everywhere. Give up vanity, pride and hyposrisy.
Have unwavering faith in God 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.
See God in all beings and love them as your own Self. Do not hate anyone.
Remember God at all times or, at least, on raising from bed, during a pause in work and
before going to bed.
Psychic Culture
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 of your scripture with you at all times.
Read the Ramayana, the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavat, the Upanishads or other religious books daily without fail.
Attend religious meetings and seek 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.
Visit a temple or place of worship daily. Preferably before you leave and upon your return from work, even if only for 5 to 10 minutes.
Spend holidays and leave-periods, when possible, in the company of saints or practice Sadhana at holy places in seclusion.
Spiritual Culture
Go to bed early. Get up at four o'clock.
Recite some prayers as soon as you take your bath. Practice breathing exercises, repeat the name of God and meditation in the early morning. While you meditate, forget the outside world totally.
Gradually increase the period of meditation.
Perform the daily prayers of your religion. Do not fail to fulfil your obligatory duties.
Write your favourite Mantra or Name of God in a notebook for ten to thirty minutes, daily.
Sing the Names of God and pray for half to one hour at night with family and friends. (Alternatively you can listen to the devotional songs on radio or any other source)
Make annual resolves on the above lines. Regularity, tenacity and fixity are essential. Record your Sadhana in a spiritual dairy daily. Review it every month and correct your failures.
