My Sadhana:-

Rohith Muthyala
Jul 10, 2017 · 10 min read

(Serve,Love,Give,Purify,Meditate, Realize)

1, 2. The disciple said:

O Merciful Master! I bow to thee. I

have fallen into the dreadful ocean of birth and death. I am afflicted with the three kinds of Taapas. Save me, O

Lord. Teach me, how I should cross this ocean of Samsara.The disciple approaches the Guru. This is the starting-point of Brahmavidya. The aspirant after equipping himself

with the Sadhana-Chatushtaya, i.e., the ethical discipline necessary for the purification of the heart before entering into the field of Brahmavidya proper or the Science of the

Ultimate Reality, goes to the Spiritual Teacher for higher Knowledge.The Mundaka Upanishad says that, after finding everything on earth is worthless, the seeker after the eternally good, should approach a Preceptor who is well versed in scriptures and established in the Consciousness of Brahman. The subtleties of the Essence of Life enter into the heart of the aspirant only when he is purged of the

impurities that cloud his understanding. The conduct of an

aspirant after the Supreme Truth is an ideal one. It is not erudite learning that is demanded of the aspirant but a crystalline heart and a childlike feeling. The pride of scholarship has to be set aside before the glorious Teacher of Brahmavidya. Humbler than a blade of grass, filled with

the fire of renunciation born of discriminative understanding, the seeker bows down to the Guru who

glories in the majesty of Brahmic Splendour. Not as the present-day student of the school or the college, but as an earnest votary of Life’s Grand Destination, roused up by the

consciousness of suffering in pluralistic existence on earth,fully aware of the affliction of mortal living, cheated by

chance, tormented by thought, defeated by the forces of

nature, oppressed by the massive weight of worldly duty,

shocked by the horror of death, dreaded by the consciousness of future lives where the tragedy of existence

will be repeated, finding no way of escape from the prison of terrestrialness, the aspirant opens his eyes and looks up towards his Great Duty, the duty of Self-realization. The necessity of a Guru is demanded by the fact that one’s own conscience is not always to be trusted. Virochana

acted according to the voice of his conscience and realised that “body is the Self”. People who are filled with Mala, Vikshepa and Avarana, who are drowned in worldliness,cannot be guided by their conscience. A spiritual Preceptor is absolutely necessary. He alone can foresee the pitfalls of

the aspirant and direct him in the right path. The Chandogya Upanishad says that only he who is guided by a

Guru can have the Knowledge of Brahman. Others will be misled and lost in spiritual blindness; for the road to Moksha is hard to tread. It is a razor-path. The Grace of God and Guru, Ishwara-Kripa and Guru-Kripa will raise up the aspirant to the heights of Spiritual Attainment.

1-Start by being mindful,conscious,aware,awake.

2-Then one must have purity along with renunciation;

3-Then a
thorough knowledge of the Sadhana,

4-A proper guide,

5-and a steady, gradual practice.

Purification;

Swamiji sometimes pointed out that Atma-jnana (self-realisation) is extremely easy. God is
real, Brahman is real, Atman is real already. It is the Atman that is sitting there, it is the Atman that
is sitting here, it is the Atman that is nodding the head, it is the Atman that is talking. If all this is the
Atman, where is the difficulty in realising it? All the other teachers and masters—who caution us
that it is extremely difficult—are not wrong. Self-realisation is extremely easy, but the preliminary
to it, the purification which is a prerequisite, is extremely difficult.

Why do we practise any Sadhana at all? Krishna makes it very beautifully and abundantly
clear in the Bhagavad-Gita:

yunjyad-yogam-atmavisuddhaye

(VI. 12)

“Practise Yoga for the purpose of self-purification.”

Yoga, meditation and all the spiritual
practices that we undertake are meant merely to purify the heart and the mind, not to realise God.

1;Purification of The Body

1;Internal Purification

1:Rise early enough to give yourself a spacious and relaxed morning.(4 am preferably)

2:Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth,cleanse your nose and eyes .

3:Sip 8–16 ounces of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity.

4:Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive.This is not a time to push yourself physically.Consider walking, tai chi, qigong, or gentle yoga such as vata-pacifying yoga (which is appropriate during a cleanse).

6-Breakfast (ideally between 7–8 a.m.).

7:Avoid snacks,eat vegetables,fruits,nuts or tea .

8:Eat Kitchari for lunch (ideally between 12–1 p.m.).

9:Dinner before 7 pm

10:Do oil massage once a while

11:Retire for the night by 10 p.m.Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest throughout the cleanse.

Keep in mind;

1-Gradually eliminate any caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, dairy, meat, fried foods, processed foods, sugar, and any other unhealthy foods you rely on

2-Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner around the same time every day to establish a routine for the digestive system.

3-Enjoy a peaceful environment. Avoid distractions and stimulation, such as television, computers, and cell phones. You can listen to soothing music and enjoy dim lighting.

4-Sit in a comfortable, relaxed manner during meals.

5-Eat quietly or take in only positive impressions. Avoid reading the newspaper’s crime news—browse the arts section instead. Or better yet, enjoy the view out your window or look at a flower on the kitchen table.

6-Take a few breaths before eating as you appreciate all the energy that went into growing, harvesting, transporting, and preparing this lovely meal.

7-Engage all your senses in the meal. Look at colors. Smell the scents. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (take at least 10 chews per bite). Savor the flavor and texture of the food.

8-Consider seconds. In order to avoid snacking, meals can be on the larger side. However, stop for a few moments to assess whether your body wants more or not before taking another portion.

9-At the end of each meal, take a few breaths before getting up to feel the effects of the meal. Wait for a burp. The body will give you a natural burp when your stomach is full. Notice that you now feel satisfied, satiated, and nourished through all the senses.

External Purification;

1-Bathe twice a day

2-Apply Oil to hair everynight

3-Minimise use of Soap and Shampoo

4-Mosturize Skin

5-Avoid any chemicals etc

2-Purification of Mind;

The subtleties of the Essence of Life enter into the heart of the aspirant only when he is purged of the impurities that cloud his understanding.

20 SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTIONS

by Sri Swami Sivananda

These twenty instructions contain the very essence of all Yoga Sadhana. Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja Yoga will all come to one who follows them whole-heartedly. They are the unfailing keys to quick and effective development and culture of the physical, mental, moral and spiritual self of man.

BRAHMAMUHURTA

Get up at 4 a.m. daily. This is Brahmamuhurta which is extremely favourable for Sadhana. Do all your morning spiritual Sadhana during this period from 4 a.m. to 6:30 or 7 a.m. Such Sadhana gives quick and maximum progress.

ASANA

Sit on Padmasana (lotus pose), Siddhasana (adept's pose) or Sukhasana (any pose you like) for your Japa and meditation for half an hour, facing east or north. Increase the period gradually to three hours. Practice Sirshasana (headstand) and Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) for maintenance of health and Brahmacharya. Take light physical exercises as walking, etc., regularly. Do twenty rounds of easy, comfortable Pranayama (breathing exercises). Do not strain yourself while doing Pranayama.

JAPA

You can repeat any Mantra (sacred syllable), such as pure Om or Om Namo Narayanaya, Sri Ram, Sita Ram, Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram, Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, Om Saravanabhavaya Namah, Hari Om, or Gayatri (a sacred Vedic Mantra), according to your taste or inclination, from 108 times to 21,600 times daily. Devotees of Christ may repeat the name Jesus or Hail Mary, Mother of Jesus. Parsis, Sikhs and Muslims may select a name or Mantra from the Zend Avesta, Granth Sahib or Koran respectively.

DIETETIC DISCIPLINE

Take Sattvic food. Give up chillies, tamarind, garlic, onion, sour articles, oil, mustard, asafoetida. Observe moderation in diet (Mitahara). Do not overload the stomach. Give up those things which the mind likes best for a fortnight once or twice in a year. Eat simple food. Milk and fruits help concentration. Take food as medicine to keep the life going. Eating for enjoyment is a sin. Give up salt and sugar for a week or a fortnight. You must be able to live on rice, dhal and bread without any pickle. Do not ask for extra salt for dhal, and sugar for tea, coffee and milk. People taking a non-vegetaraian diet should try their best to gradually give up flesh-eating as completely as possible. They will be immensely benefited.

MEDITATION

Have a separate meditation room under lock and key. If this is not possible then a corner of the room should be set apart with a small cloth screen or curtain drawn across. Keep the room spotlessly clean.

SVADHYAYA

Study systematically the Gita, Ramayana, Bhagavatam, Vishnu-Sahasranama, Lalita-Sahasranama, Adityahridaya, Upanishads, Yoga Vasishta, Bible, Imitation of Christ, Zend Quran, the Tripitakas, the Granth Sahib and other religious books from half an hour to one hour daily, and have Suddha Vichara (pure thoughts).

ELEVATE THE MIND

Learn by heart some prayer - Slokas (prayer verses), Stotras (hymns) and repeat them as soon as you sit in the Asana before starting Japa or meditation. This will elevate the mind quickly.

BRAHMACHARYA

Preserve the vital force (Veerya (seminal energy)) very, very carefully. Veerya is God in motion or manifestation (Vibhuti). Veerya is all power. Veerya is all money. Veerya is the essence of life, thought and intelligence. This instruction is not for bachelors only. Householders also must follow it as far as possible. They must be extremely moderate in their marital connections with their spouse. This is very important.

CHARITY

Do charity regularly, every month, or even daily according to your means. Never fail in this item. If necessary forego some personal wants but keep up this charity regularly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BE SELF RELIANT

Do not depend upon servants. Self-reliance is the highest of all virtues.

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.

DO YOUR DUTY

Remember that death is awaiting you at every moment. Never fail to fulfil your duties. Have pure conduct (Sadachara).

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).

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.

Renunciation/Surrender/Non-attachment;

In my experience, everyone will say they want to discover the Truth, right up until they realize that the Truth will rob them of their deepest held ideas, beliefs, hopes, and dreams. The freedom of enlightenment means much more than the experience of love and peace. It means discovering a Truth that will turn your view of self and life upside-down. For one who is truly ready, this will be unimaginably liberating. But for one who is still clinging in any way, this will be extremely challenging indeed. How does one know if they are ready? One is ready when they are willing to be absolutely consumed, when they are willing to be fuel for a fire without end.

Rohith Muthyala

Written by

om true-existence,infinite-consciousness,one supreme divinity,i am that!

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