Sunday, February 22, 2009

The science of seven cultures

Provided by Yoginder Vaid, MD

From: Seven-fold Self Culture - Swami Sivananda & The Divine Life Society

a) An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory.
b) The 7 cultures, 32 instructions constitute the essence of the Eternal Religion (Sanatana Dharma). They are suitable for modern busy householders with fixed hours of work. Modify them to suit your covenience 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.

1. Health Culture:
1. Eat moderately. Eat light, simple and balanced diet. Offer to God before you eat.
2. Avoid chilies, garlic, onions, and tamarind. Give up tea, coffee, smoking, meat and alcohol.
3. Fast for at least a month. Take milk, fruit or roots.
4. Practice Yoga asanas or physical exercise for 15 to 30 minutes daily. Take a long walk or play vigorous sports daily.

2. Energy Culture:
5. Observe silence for 2 hours daily and 4-5 hours on Sundays.
6. Observe celibacy according to your age.

3. Ethical Culture:
7. Speak the truth. Speak little, kindly and sweetly.
8. Do not injure in thought, word or deed. Be kind to all.
9. Be sincere, straightforward and open-hearted in daily talks and dealings.
10. Be honest. Earn by the sweat of your brow. Do not accept any money or things unless earned lawfully. Develop nobility and integrity.
11. Control anger by serenity, patience, love, mercy and tolerance. Forget and forgive. Adapt yourself to men and events.

4. Will Culture:
12. Give up Sugar and salt for short periods.
13. Avoid evil company, materialists and those who have no faith in God and criticize your Sadhana.
14. Have a simple living and high thinking.

5. Heart Culture:
15. Do selfless service for few hours a week. Do worldly duties in the same spirit. Work is worship. Dedicate to God.
16. Give 2-10% of your income to charity. Share what you have with others. Let the world be your family.
17. Be humble. Feel the Divine presence everywhere. Give up vanity, pride and hypocrisy.
18. Have unwavering faith in God, Geeta and Guru.
19. See God in all beings and love them as your own self. Do not hate anyone.
20. Remember God at all times.

6. Psychic Culture:
21. Study Geeta daily.
22. Memorize Geeta.
23. Study Ramayana, Bhagvata and other scriptures often.
24. Attend religious meetings, satsanga at every opportunity.
25. Visit temple at least once a week.
26. Spend holidays and leave periods in the company of Saints or practicing Sadhana.

7. Spritual Culture:
27. Go to bed early and rise early.
28. Recite prayers, Kirtan, dhwanis. Do Pranayama.
29. Perform daily sandhya, Japa and nityakarma.
30. Write your favorite Mantra daily.
31. Sing the names of God with family and friends.
32. Make annual resolves on the above lines. Record your Sadhana in a spiritual diary daily. Review every month and correct your failures.

Divine Life Society Publications

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