20 Instuctions: Swami Sivananda (2)

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10. HAVE SATSANG: Give up bad company, smoking,

meat and alcoholic liquors entirely. Have constant

Satsang (association with holy people). Do not develop

any evil habits. Deliberately exert to develop

positive virtuous qualities. <br><br>11. FAST: Fast on

Ekadasi (11th day of the Hindu lunar fortnight) or live

on milk and fruits only. Christians must fast on

alternate Sundays, Muslims on alternate Fridays, and Parsis

on a suitable day every fortnight. <br><br>12. JAPA

MALA: Have a Japa Mala (rosary) around your neck or in

your pocket or underneath your pillow at night. This

will remind you of God. Twirl the beads during your

leisure. You should repeat the Name at all times, whatever

task you may be engaged in. <br><br>13. OBSERVE MOUNA:

Observe Mouna (vow of silence) for a couple of hours

daily. Do not make gestures and inarticulate noises

during the period of silence. <br><br>14. DISCIPLINE OF

SPEECH: Speak the truth at all cost. Speak a little.

Speak sweetly. Always utter encouraging words. Never

condemn, criticize or discourage. Do not raise your voice

and shout at little children or subordinates.

<br><br>15. BE CONTENT: Reduce your wants. If you have four

shirts, reduce the number to three or two. Lead a happy,

contented life. Avoid unnecessary worry. Be mentally

detached. Have plain living and high thinking. Think of

those who do not possess even one-tenth of what you

have. Share with others. <br><br>16. PRACTICE LOVE:

Never hurt anybody. Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah (Non-injury

is the highest virtue). Control anger by love,

Kshama (forgiveness) and Daya (compassion). Serve the

sick and the poor with love and affection. This is

service of God. <br><br>17. BE SELF RELIANT: Do not

depend upon servants. Self-reliance is the highest of

all virtues. <br><br>18. HAVE SELF- ANALYSIS: Think

of the mistakes you have committed during the course

of the day, just before retiring to bed

(self-analysis). Keep a daily spiritual diary and self-correction

register as Benjamin Franklin did. Maintain a daily

routine and resolve-form. Do not brood over past

mistakes. <br><br>19. DO YOUR DUTY: Remember that death is

awaiting you at every moment. Never fail to fulfill your

duties. Have pure conduct (Sadachara). <br><br>20.

REMEMBER GOD: Think of God as soon as you wake up and just

before you go to sleep, and at all other times whether

engaged in any work or not. Repeat His Name always.

Surrender yourself completely to God (Saranagati).

<br><br>This is the essence of all spiritual Sadhana. It will

lead you to liberation. All these spiritual canons

must be rigidly observed. You must not give any

leniency to the mind. <br><br>Jaya Guru<br><br>Omprem