Dinacharya – The Right Routine for a Seeker

As the new year of 2021 is starting, our mind is ready to take new resolutions. Sri Guru outlines Ayurvedic wisdom of Dinacharya that a seeker must follow for an optimum growth and a happier life. This article is derived from Sri Guru’s Satsang on 25th December, and we have made a 2-page guide for you this piece of knowledge keep it handy.

In Vachanamrut 816, Param Krupadu Dev writes,

“To be liberated of all suffering and malice, the ultimate path is the one illuminated by a Sagduru.” 

Truly, the arrival of such a being is a profound blessing, for it brings a remarkable shift in the way we think, the way we act and the way we are. Out of divine compassion, a Guru nurtures Bhakti (devotion), Seva (selfless service), Gyan (wisdom), Bodh (awareness) in a seeker’s life. Every Agya, every teaching imparted by the Master is transformational in its nature and purpose. However, whether or not we transform depends on how sincerely we embrace these essential virtues. Discipline and continuity in our efforts are fundamental. But as it happens sometimes, we fail to do so due to lethargy, a dearth of clarity, lack of enthusiasm or preparedness. This is why Sri Guru has outlined a simple yet comprehensive way to deepen our connection with the divine and progress on the spiritual path. This system called ‘Dinacharya’ invites you to reframe your day so that your being is aligned to the laws of nature. This alignment is the key to self-growth. So, let us understand various elements of Dinacharya:

1. Waking up and charging

Begin your day in this manner:

• The ideal time to wake up is in the Brahma Muhurta, which is regarded as the Creator’s Hour and commences one hour and thirty six minutes before sunrise. However, if this is not possible, you should awaken within 48 minutes after sunrise.
• Right after getting up, one must thrive to connect with the divine. In SRM, Sri Guru asks to perform this Jaap with your eyes closed: 

7 times “Om Namo Bhagavate Maa Adya Shakti Roopaya” in reverence to the all-pervading God consciousness, followed by 7 times Jaap of “Sahajatmaswaroop Param Guru” to invoke the Param Guru within.

• Followed by the chants, drink 1-2 glasses of warm water. In place of warm water, you can have it lukewarm or at room temperature. However, refrigerated water should be avoided.
• After this, you may spend about 30-60 minutes practising meditation, watching Satsang or listening to Bhakti.

2. Prayers

Prayers should be an irreplaceable part of one’s day. They strengthen connection and provide a sense of motivation as we feel that divine is with us. In SRM, performing the morning and evening Dev Vandan along with Deep Prajwalan (symbolising the presence of Maa Adya Shakti) is a wonderful practice that brings you closer to God as well as to your Guru! Do remember that the time for Dev Vandan should be between 7:00 – 9:00 during both times of the day. However, in case of unavoidable commitments, you may perform Dev Vandan anytime before 9:00.

3. Food

As per the Ayurvedic philosophy, our physical body functions in accordance with three kinds of Dosha (substances) – Vāta, Pitta and Kapha. They are associated with air, fire and water elements respectively. Each of these fundamental substances is dominant during a specific time of the day, as given below: 

• Vāta dominant time: 6-10 AM & PM  
• Pitta dominant time: 10 AM – 2 PM & 10 PM – 2 AM
• Kapha dominant time: 2 – 6 PM & AM

Using this knowledge, Sri Guru has given the following guidelines:

• You should have your largest meal of the day before 2:00 PM as this is the time during which our digestive fire (Pitta) is at its peak.
• Try to use different types of flour (such as wheat, corn, bajra, ragi etc.) and cooking oils (like soybean, mustard, sunflower, olive oil etc.)
• Learn to finish your meal within 24 minutes. Also, while eating, chew your food about 24 times as this aids in proper digestion and conserves the body’s energy for other essential processes.
• After every meal, walk a minimum of 100 steps. 
• Finish having your dinner before 7:00 PM to allow 3-4 hours for digestion. The dinner should be healthy and light.

All this is necessary because the time between 11:00 PM – 5:00 AM is a crucial period during which the natural healing energies of the body are active. They are mother nature’s way of helping us recover from the physical, mental and emotional wounds within. When the body undergoes digestion, the energy required for healing and restoring has to be put on hold. Thus, frequently eating heavy food, overeating or eating late prolongs digestion, which in turn delays your healing process too.

4. Worldly duties

Whether you are a student, a working professional, a business owner, retired or a homemaker, Sri Guru recommends that you should dedicate at most 9 hours for all your worldly duties and responsibilities. 

5. Keeping fit at all levels

You should spend between 30 minutes to 4 hours (during any time of the day) for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This includes:

• Watching Satsangs and contemplating over their teachings, self-introspection, listening to Bhakti, connecting with fellow seekers and so on.
• Devoting time for Seva
• 30-45 minutes for any form of physical exercise (yoga, jogging, brisk walking etc.)
• Learning a new skill and polishing your current talents

6. Sleeping (Restoring)

As a part of spiritual lifestyle, Sri Guru gives the following suggestions: 

• Before going to sleep, recite the Tri-Paath (Kshamapana Paath, Vachanamrut 505 and Upasana Ki Akhand Jagruti).
• You should sleep for about 6-8 hours at night. Giving ample rest to your body and mind at night is just as important as keeping them active during the day. Sleep deprivation and insomnia are significant contributors to physical and mental stress, reduced ability to focus, weak memory power along with several other ailments. 
• Practice going to bed before 11:00 PM. As mentioned before, the healing energies of the body are active during this time. Thus, staying awake past 11:00 PM on a regular basis hinders the natural process of recovery at the level of body and mind.
• Sleeping during the day is not recommended for people aged between 15-60 years. A short nap of 5-10 minutes may be fine, but prolonged sleeping during the day should be avoided.

Sri Guru always says, “Liberation is inside, so is the Path. We are on the return journey.” Following Dincharya is an ideal way of preparing ourselves to turn inwards. The above points cover everything we should do to adopt such a lifestyle, from the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep. It is a simple and immensely useful way to invoke discipline and maintain continuity in our efforts, to develop the right balance between our spiritual progress & worldly responsibilities and to align our lives with the Guru’s path. 

We have created a Dinacharya guide for quick access to these elements. See below: