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Daily one should wake up at 4-00 a.m., bathe and
then sit in Bhagavad remembrance repetition of mantra, etc. 4-00 a.m.
is the time of brahmmuhurt and is said to be the time divine nectar.
During that period while sitting in Bhagavad remembrance, one is able
to have better concentration in every way. In addition the wind which
blows during that period contains divine immortal nectar and if one
is in the waking state, the life span is increased, good health is
obtained, strength increases, the capacity of the sense organs increases
and memory becomes stronger.
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If one is not able to wake up at 4-00 a.m. then at
the latest, one should be awaken before sunrise. Rising after sunrise
causes harm to the memory, sense organs, intellect, strength, health
and life-span. Symptoms of 'Tamoguna', laziness, carelessness, anger,
indiscipline etc. arise.
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All actions in a vaishnav's life should be dedicated
to Prabhu. To establish this, the following four habits should be
cultivated.
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The very first thing, upon rising, one should have
darshan of Prabhu's picture kept in the room and then take charan
sparsh.
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Before writing any thing one should first write
'ashtakshar mantra’.
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Before speaking any thing one should first say
'Jai Shri Krishna'. Before thinking upon any worldly matters, sitting
on the bed one mala of ashtakshar mantra should be done in mind.
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After brushing teeth and before taking tea, coffee,
milk, etc. one should first take prasad, tulsi, bidi (prasadi sopari)
or any other prasad in a small quantity.
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One should not become angry in the morning. Refrain
from any thoughts which would give rise to enmity, jealousy, arrogance
etc. Do not engage in useless talks. With determination, remove any
thoughts of worry from the mind. Do not speak untruths. Do not quarrel
with any one in the house or any outsider and do not use profanity
with anyone. The entire mood of the day depends upon how the morning
is spent, therefore, keep the morning time pure and mellow so that
the entire day up to night will pass beautifully.
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Vaishnavs should strictly abide by the rule: bathing
after going to the toilet. If one is unable to take a full bath and
wash the hair, one should, at least bathe to the neck. Whatever clothing
has been worn while going to the toilet should not be touched after
bath or bring in contract with any other clothing and it should be
immersed in water before touching or wearing. By doing this, one will
avoid the offence of doing any seva related work in the impure state.
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Every vaishnav should have Thakurji's seva in their
home. If possible one should have 'Swarup Seva' but if that is not
possible then have 'Chitra Seva'. But in any case, Thakurji's seva
should be performed at home.
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Every family member from youngest to eldest who has
taken 'Brahm Sambandh' should keep a firm resolve to take charan sparsh
of Thakurji in the seva which is performed in the home. Those without
brahm sambandh should keep firm resolve for darshan and dandvat. Any
food should only be taken after charan sparsh or darshan and dandvat.
To whatever extent possible, each of the family members, including
youngsters and aged should participate in seva.
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