Dinacharya - Best daily routine dinacharya ayurveda

Dinacharya: Food Habits and Conduct during the Day Time

What is the best daily day routine dinacharya?

Early rising

Ayurveda recommends that a healthy person wakes up about two hours before dawn. This ambrosial hour (brahma muhurta) is considered auspicious as there is peace, purity, freshness and happiness all around in the environment. One should first think of God and pray, chant a mantra or meditate. This brings mental peace and joy. At this hour (during the Vata period), the body is free of fatigue, also one gets the advantage of Vata qualities such as lightness, exhilaration and freshness. They get infused in the body, mind and brain and last throughout the day. Whatever is memorized, is remembered and influences us the whole day. Rising early also gives adequate time for ablutions, yoga, exercise and other routine activities, which in turn ensures a disease-free and long life. Planning out the day’s schedule before rising from the bed ensures that all work is completed successfully and timely.

Washing the face

In daily dinacharya Washing the face in all seasons with fresh cool water immediately after leaving the bed cleanses the eyes, nose, mouth and face, also relieves early morning dullness and brings freshness. In winter lukewarm water can be used instead.

Water intake on an empty stomach

At least one to four glasses of cool water should be taken after washing the face in the morning. Water should preferably have been stored in a copper container overnight. Obese people should drink warm water to ‘speed up’ the metabolism and in general it is also recommended during winter. Drinking cool water in the morning is beneficial and stimulates the digestive tract. It helps in smooth and regular elimination of feces in the morning, which is essential for the removal of body toxins and thus provides protection from ailments. This is known as ‘uṣaḥpāna.”

In the morning water should be taken in a sitting position. Drinking water while standing may lead to knee and joint pain. It is best to drink water in an upright position, where the whole body weight is on the feet. Some people prefer drinking tea instead of fresh water for smooth bowel movement, but its action is very different from that of water. Tea, being a hot and stimulating liquid, mimics the effect of water. Tea pressurizes and stimulates the bowels, causing expulsion of wastes, but there is a subtle difference. The effect of tea on the bowels wanes after sometime and the person again suffers from constipation. Besides, the caffeine and tannin present in coffee and tea harms the stomach and intestines. Cold water, should take lukewarm water. on the other hand, has no side-effects. Only people suffering from cold, cough and sore throat should take lukewarm water.

Ablution

Early morning, clearing of the bowels is essential after drinking water. Every person should make it a regular practice. Modern, busy and stressful living causes many people to suffer from lack of regular and proper bowel movements in the morning. The rush to reach the workplace on time also contributes to the problem. People do not give sufficient time to the activity and the bowels are not cleared properly. Besides, eating heavy and Vata causing food (heavy pulses, fried foods) accumulates flatus and also obstructs the fecal movement in the intestine. As a consequence, only after a little elimination, one feels that the bowels have been cleared. Later, one needs to repeat the process. Some people need to clear the bowels imbalanced emotions can all lead to this problem. three or four times every morning. Indigestion, lack of sleep, stress, anger, depression and imbalanced emotions can all lead to this problem.

Excessive intestinal gas formation causes pressure on the heart leading to an increased heartbeat. Prolonged constipation and flatus leads to serious ailments like chronic cold, bronchial asthma, piles, joint pains and arthritis. It also leads to loss of appetite, flatus, indigestion, headache, depression, self-pity, discomfort, restlessness, fatigue, lethargy and insomnia. It is hence essential to properly clear the bowels every morning. Several precautions should be taken like avoiding or reducing a heavy diet and Vata-causing foods (heavy pulses, kidney beans, Bengal gram, black gram and fried foods). Intake of green leafy vegetables (spinach, chenopodium and fenugreek leaves), bottle gourd, angled loofah and yams; fruits such as apples, guava, papaya, currants and figs; and other fiber-rich foods should be increased in the diet. If one needs to clear the bowels more than once, it should not be avoided. To alleviate constipation and other abdominal ailments permanently, perform kapālabhāti prāṇāyāma regularly in the morning on an empty stomach.

Cleaning of teeth

After ablution, the next healthy dinacharya habit includes the cleaning of teeth.

The teeth should be cleaned with twigs (dātuna) that have bitter, pungent or astringent qualities because they protect the mouth from oral diseases and related bacterial infections. Twigs with sweet, sour and saline tastes aggravate kapha and should be avoided. The best teeth cleaners are margosa (nīma) and gum arabica (babula) twigs. Other trees whose twigs can be used on the basis of taste essence and their action on oral hygiene are smooth-leaved ponga (karañja), peacock tail (mālatī), Indian kino tree (asana) and prickly chaff flower (apāmārga).
The twig (dātuna) should be carefully selected. It should be 6 inches long so that it can be held firmly and can also easily clean the tongue. It should be as thick as the little finger, erect or straight and fresh with the bark adhered to it. Very slender or very thick twigs are not feasible. A thicker twig will injure the gums. The front end of the twig should be soft (not dry and hard) so that it can easily be fashioned into a brush with a little chewing. It should be straight and not twisted. Even today millions of Indians use such datuna (twigs) to clean their teeth.
The movement of the twig (datuna) over each tooth should be from top to bottom and vice-versa. This cleans the teeth thoroughly and does not damage the gums. Tooth powder or pastes formulated from many Ayurvedic herbs can be used with the twig or separately. This morning activity cleanses the teeth, tongue and mouth. It keeps bad breath in check, makes the teeth clean and strong and also stimulates the taste buds

Nowadays, various kinds of tooth brushes and toothpastes are available for sale and are used more than naturally available twigs. There are many good tooth powders for this purpose as well. One should not use the same brush for a long time and for protection from oral disease, brushes should be kept in hot water for some time so as to kill the bacteria present in the after use brush.

A white coating on the tongue, if has appeared overnight should also be cleaned after the teeth. This is the residue of ama, either from last night’s meal as food gets deposited on unpleasant

its surface or due to a deeper imbalance. If not cleaned regularly, there may be an odor and the sense of taste is reduced. The twig used to brush teeth can also be used to clean the tongue from the back side. Tongue scrapers made of wood, gold, silver, brass, copper and steel can also be used. The scrapers should be soft, smooth, curved in the center and flexible. The edges should not be sharp or pointed as they might cause injury to the tongue

It has been suggested that cleansing of teeth with a twig (dātuna) should be avoided if one is suffering from indigestion, nausea, bronchial asthma, fever, stroke or paralysis, excessive thirst, stomatitis (mouth ulcers) and ailments of the heart, eyes, head and ear, as there is a possibility of aggravation of disease if twigs are used under such conditions.

Gargling

If for some reason such as travelling one is unable to clean the teeth in the morning, gargling with water will help. This also cleans the teeth and the tongue and refreshes the mouth to some extent. It removes unpleasant odor and stickiness in the mouth and any Kapha accumulated in the throat and mouth. Ideally, after brushing the teeth, the mouth should be rinsed with sesame or mustard oil. This process is called kavalagraha. It strengthens the teeth and gums, prevents toothache, reduces sensitivity to hot, cold and sour substances (that sometimes cause toothache), helps chew tough and hard substances easily, improves the quality of voice, and boosts taste perception and appetite. Regular rinsing of the mouth, gargling and kavalagraha prevents drying of the throat and chapping of the lips.

Substances with pungent essences boiled in water are excellent for gargling, after straining them and when lukewarm. They clean the mouth and reduce any unpleasant odor. Witholding of decoction in the mouth is referred to as ‘ganduṣa.’ When the liquid in the mouth can be moved around, the process is called ‘kavala.’ Kavala helps to treat ailments of head and ear, dullness, sleepiness, anorexia, spasmodic torticollis, sinusitis, chronic cold (rhinitis) and nausea.

Head care

The head should be oiled daily with sesame, coconut, olive, almond or mustard oil. This hair loss, graying, balding (alopecia unless genetic), headache, drying of the scalp prevents and other Vāta diseases. It strengthens the head, forehead, eyes, ears and other sensory organs. The quality of hair improves as the hair become stronger, smoother, longer and darker. Also, the glow of the face increases. Application of sesame oil on the head brings good and sound sleep. Combing the hair after oiling cleanses and beautifies the hair.

Body massage: Abhyanga (oleation)

Just as applying oil to pots, dry leather and axles of wheels lubricates and strengthens them, oiling the body makes it stronger and softens the skin. Oil protects the body against diseases caused by Vata. Skin is an important organ where Vata accumulates. The pores in the skin are filled with the heat of Pitta which absorb the oil applied and calms the Vāta. Applying oil also destroys premature aging, fatigue, wrinkles, roughness and dryness. It clears the vision, strengthens the body and smoothens the skin making it soft and attractive. It also provides relief from body odor, dirt, itching, odor of sweat, heaviness, dullness and fatigue.

Strokes during body massage should be in the direction of hair growth on the skin. Too much force should not be used while massaging. Soft, smooth strokes are adequate. Applying oil in the sunlight speeds absorption. Massage not only gives disease-free skin but also strengthens the muscles. Massage or abhyanga (oleation) is extremely beneficial in neuro-muscular weakness, arthritis and muscular tension.

Karṇapūraṇa: Oil as an ear drop

According to Ayurveda, apply oil in the ears daily. This prevents ailments like deafness, defective hearing, spasmodic torticollis, lockjaw (tetanus) and other Vata related ear problems. In a healthy ear, oil should be retained for two minutes. When suffering from earache, oil should be retained in the ear till the pain is relieved. This can be done by rubbing the painful area and pressing at the base of the ear.

Feet massage

Applying oil on the feet every day is also very beneficial. It reduces and prevents roughness, dryness, fatigue, numbness, laxity, ‘cracked heels,’ reduced blood flow, tense muscles, sciatica and other Vāta ailments. It also improves the eyesight. In ancient times, its beneficial effects led the experts to make it a religious ritual to be performed daily after morning ablutions, every time after urination, before meals and before bathing. Besides oil, ice, bottle gourd, cucumber and other medicinal substances are used for foot massage to alleviate many kinds of diseases or deformities.

Nasya kriyā: Oil as a nasal drop

The nose is considered a pathway to the sinuses. Hence, medicinal preparations poured into the nostrils can reach every part of the head. Normally, oil drops should be added to the nostrils during monsoon, winter and spring seasons when there is no cloud cover.

This should be done daily after clearing of the bowels, cleaning of teeth and oiling the hair. The head should hang backward on the back of a chair, and a few drops of warm oil (indirectly heated by steam or by keeping it in hot water) should be placed in each nostril using a dropper and then inhaled. Oil should be applied in the nostrils drop by drop, in one nostril and then the other. While putting drops into one nostril, the other nostril should be closed. Any nasal secretions during nasya should be discharged from the mouth.

Lukewarm clarified butter made from cow’s milk is best for nasya. It provides relief in common cold, headache and other cephalagic disorders. It also enhances memory power. Olive oil and Almond oil are also good for nasya.

After nasya, lie down on your back for a minute or so but do not fall asleep. Nasya cures all ailments that are caused above the neck. It is effective in ailments like spasmodic torticollis, paralysis (strokes), headache, migraine, swelling in the nose, shivering of the head and lockjaw (tetanus). It also prevents early signs of aging on the head and other organs and reduces graying of the hair. If a healthy person, free of diseases takes in the oil or distilled cow’s urine, when poured in the nose during nasya, it is best for good health. It should not be spat out.

According to Ayurveda, in a healthy state, the best time for nasya therapy is generally autumn and spring (when it is neither too hot, nor too cold). Different times suggested for nasya treatment according to doșas and seasons is as follows:

Kapha aggravation – in the morning
Pitta aggravation – in the afternoon
Vata aggravation – in the evening
During autumn and spring – in the morning
During winter – in the afternoon
During summer – in the morning and evening
During monsoon – in the afternoon

In case of headache due to Vata disorders, hiccoughs, hysteria, spasmodic torticollis and hoarseness of voice, nasya should be given twice a day (every morning and evening)

Exercise

In daily dinacharya Exercise is a physical activity for the purpose of conditioning the body. Physical activity that causes exertion and fatigue is exercise”. Exercise lends strength and stability to the body. It should be performed daily, in all seasons and according to one’s capacity. During winter and spring, it should be performed upto fifty percent of the body strength or maximum capacity until light sweat appears on the forehead and underarms, and the person starts to mouth breathe. These are the natural signals of the right limit of exercise. Do not exert to the point where one sweats heavily and pants for breath. During summer, rain and autumn, the force applied should be further reduced because these are the seasons of Vāta aggravation and accumulation. To relieve tiredness, the body should be massaged lightly afterwards. Exercise is highly appreciated in Ayurvedic texts. According to Caraka “from physical exercise one gets lightness, capacity to work, firmness, tolerance to difficulties, elimination of impurities and stimulation of digestion”. Scientifically, beneficial exercise should be performed to strengthen the musculature of the body. Except in certain conditions or diseases, if 30 minutes of rigorous physical exercise is carried out regularly, not only the lungs, heart and brain become healthy and energetic, but it is extremely beneficial in obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyper-cholesterol, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, allergies and other diseases too. It balances the whole system, mind and body, the three dosas, seven dhātus and agni to provide complete health.

If done properly and within appropriate limits, exercising is very beneficial. It is important to note that exercise gives more energy than it takes. It tones and strengthens every muscle,reduces fat accumulation and brings the body into shape.

Exercise following oil massage aids in the absorption of oil. Exercise results in sweating, which brings lightness and provides to the body. The capacity to work and to bear painincrease,digestion is strengthenedand the body be becomes more stable. to the body. The capacity to work and to bear pain increases, digestion is strengthened and Avoid over-exertion while exercising: Exercising more than the body’s strength causes breathlessness, cough, fever, intrinsic hemorrhage (bleeding), debility of both sensory and sexual organs and their physiological activities, fatigue and vomiting). Excessive exercise harms the body. In contrast lower limits are not detrimental to fitness. In fact they make exercise more efficient as it does not give the body much repair work to do afterwards and the cardio-vascular system does not have to put extra-efforts to return back to normal after the workout.

Exception to exercise

Vata-Pitta patients, those who suffer from severe ailments, small children, aged persons, people suffering from indigestion and malnutrition should avoid strenuous exercise). It should also be avoided by people who have turned feeble and lost weight due to too much of walking, weight-lifting or excessive sexual activity. Also, people under the strain of anger, sorrow, fear and fatigue should be careful with physical exertion. This is because Vata and Pitta increases during exercise and in the above-mentioned conditions, Vāta and Pitta are already aggravated. Therefore, such conditions are unsuitable for exercising. Children are naturally very energetic, they are active throughout the day, hence doing strenous exercise such as wrestling and other such activities are contra-indicated for them.

Ubatana (udvartana)

In Ayurveda, massaging the body with medicated powders and herbal pastes or lotions is called ubatana. It supports detoxification and smooths the skin. It is applied externally to the body and is also helpful if done before bathing. It reduces mental fatigue, enhances the activity of sensory organs, lends stability to organs, helps to open and clean body pores and softens the skin. Ubatana can be prepared with a mixture of mustard powder, gram flour, milk and sesame oil or yogurt cream with mustard oil.

Face packs

Herbal face packs applied before bathing helps to prevent wrinkles, freckles, spots and blackheads. Face packs increases the softness, smoothness and glow of the skin, and also enhance the complexion. They also improve eyesight. Ideally, only a cold face pack should be used. Only during Vata and Kapha aggravation should a warm pack be applied. The pack should be removed when still wet. If it dries, it should be moistened before removal.

Removing a dry pack destroys the glow (luster). Avoid activities such as sleeping, talking, sitting in the sun or near the fire, anger and worry during face pack application because these lead to wrinkle formation. Also avoid applying a face pack during indigestion, sinusitis, anorexia, during nasya therapy and at night. Different types of face packs are recommended in Ayurveda, during the six different seasons, which are as follows:

Seasons	Face Packs
Early Winter	Indian jujuba seed, root of malabar nut and yellow mustard
Late Winter	Roots of yellow berried night shade, black sesame and Indian berberry with its peel
Spring	Roots of woolly grass, sandalwood, vetiver, lebbeck and fennel seeds
Summer	Waterlily, blue waterlily, rose flower, couch grass, sandalwood and liquorice root
Monsoon	Yellow sandalwood, sesame, vetiver and Indian spikenard
Autumn	Indian valerian, Himalayan silver fir, lotus, eagle wood and liquorice root

Bathing

Bathing daily is essential for cleaning and refreshing the body. It rejuvenates the body. The nose, ears and feet should be specifically cleaned during bathing. While taking a fresh water bath, coolness of the water helps to absorb the heat of the body through the body pores, which then enters the abdomen, thus boosting the digestive power. Bathing thus, exhilarates the mind and helps prolong life. It makes the body and mind enthusiastic and increases strength. It relieves fatigue, itching, body odor, sweating, lethargy, burning, thirst and irritation.

Bathing should be avoided immediately after meals; when suffering from ailments of eyes, mouth and ears; and in diarrhea, flatulence, chronic cold and indigestion. Bathing aggravates these conditions.

Clothing

Clean clothes is also part of our dinacharya must be worn after bathing. Good, clean and appropriate clothes no only adorn the body, but also bring joy, make one beautiful and attractive and enhance the personality. They also protect the body from the harshness of the season. Hence, it is wise to wear clothes according to the season, such as white or light-colored, thin clothes in summe and dark, heavy and thick clothes (woollens) during winter.

Perfumes, aromas and natural scents

The body should be adorned with seasonal flowers and perfumes. Apart from adding fragrance and attractiveness to the body, aromatic oils also raise the spirit and increase strength and the desire to work. They help people fall asleep. All this ultimately improves the quality of life, longevity and develops interest in work.

In Ayurveda each dosa can be balanced with aromas that are matched to it. The odors detected by the nose first dissolve in the moisture of the nasal tissue and are then passed on by specialized olfactory cells straight to the hypothalamus in the brain. Thus to smell anything is to send an immediate message to the brain and from it to the whole body. This way it regulates dozens of bodily functions including temperature, thirst, hunger, blood- sugar levels, growth, sleeping, waking, sexual arousal, memory and emotions such as anger and happiness. Hence, aromas are used to send specific signals that balance the three dosas. In general:

Aromas that balance the dosas

Vata is balanced with a mixture of warm, sweet, sour aromas like basil, orange, rose, clove and other spices.
Pitta is balanced by a mixture of sweet, cool aromas like sandalwood, rose, mint, cinnamon and jaismine.
Kapha, similar to Vata is balanced by a mixture of warm aromas, but with spicier overtones like juniper, eucalyptus, camphor, clove and marjoram.

Adorning with ornaments and gemstones

Wearing ornaments made of gold or silver not only adds to a person’s beauty and attractiveness but also enhances cheerfulness, the glow on the face, feel of success, auspiciousness and an increased life-span. It also increases the desire and strength for life(11) Not only ornaments but gems like diamonds, emeralds and hessonite (gomeda) are also excellent. Also wearing charms, medicinal herbs such as ash-colored fleabane (sahadevi) and others herbs is useful. They reduce fear and anxiety and counter the adverse effects of Stars and planetary positions. Pure metals emit an astral light that provides a powerful counteraction to the negative pull of the planets. Wearing different ornaments and gems is a part of touch healing (sparsa cikitsā). All metals contain tremendous healing energy. Ayurveda utilizes the healing properties of metals, gems and stones. Thus, metals, stones and gems are the outer manifestations of certain forms of energy and these metals contain prānika energy reservoirs.

Adverse influences upon the normal functions of the body, mind and consciousness counteracted through the use of gems and metals. When they are applied to the skin, they induce an electromagnetic influence which acts on the physical cells and deeper tissues.

Chewing fragrant substances

To keep the mouth fresh and fragrant, and for good taste, spices like nutmeg, betel nut, cardamom, cloves, betel leaves and essence of camphor can be chewed. They increase taste and provide protection against diseases of the oral cavity and throat. But one should not use cancer causing narcotic substances, tobacco, pan masalas and so on.

Footwear

Footwear protects the body against heat, cold, thorns, insects and germs and provides comfort to the feet. It also protects the skin and keeps it healthy. Footwear should always be comfortable and of an appropriate size. High heeled shoes are uncomfortable and they also cause postural problems. Footwear should be selected according to the season. Appropriate footwear provides strength to the feet and makes movement quick and easy.

Nail and hair care

Trimming of hair, moustache, beard and nails should be a regular habit. Long nails accumulate dirt, germs and toxins. Hence they should be kept as short as possible. This not only ensures hygiene, health, beauty and freshness, but it keeps the body strong and promotes longevity.

Kohl application

The eyes should be ‘nourished’ regularly with kohl or eye drops to keep them healthy and to improve the vision. The eye is a sense organ dominated by the element of fire. Kapha doșa being the opposing force against agni, it constantly attacks the eyes. To maintain proper vision and health of the eyes and to prevent diseases, regular application of Kapha opposing collyrium(16) is very beneficial. Therefore, once every 5-8 days such extracts and rasanjana (rasota)* should be applied. This promotes watery discharge from the eyes, cleaning them be mixed with honey or diluted with water and a few drops should be applied in the eyes at in the process. This paste is very beneficial for the eyes and also relieves eye pain. It should a time. It stimulates the eyes and causes tearing.

Procedure for Rasanjana Preparation

Boil and thicken goat milk and decoction of Indian berberry in the ratio 4:1, cook until it becomes a paste.

A few precautions should be taken while using kohl or a collyrium. Strong kohls should be used only at night before sleeping as Kapha formation is low at this time. During the daytime, it causes excessive watering and exposes the eyes to the harmful rays of the sun and weakens them. Normally the best time to apply regular kohl or collyrium is in the morning as it keeps the eyes smooth and soft during the entire day. Kohl made from soot of mustard oil burnt in an earthen lamp lends luster to the eyes, makes the eyes attractive, darkens and thickens the eyelashes and protects the eyes from external infections.

Diet

Diet is crucial to maintain health. Food should be taken in adequate amounts at appropriate times and should be favorable to your body constitution. The quantity of food taken should depend on your digestive strength and ability, and also on your metabolic activity in out dinacharya.

Some foods such as green gram, rice, porridge and soups are light and easily digestible. The elements of air and fire are predominant in these ‘light’ foods. These not only improve the appetite, but are also easily assimilated. Hence, if taken in slightly large quantities they do not cause much harm, but if taken in excess they produce ill-effects on digestion and metabolism. In contrast, several food substances such as black gram, ground pulse stuffing and so on are heavy and require time for complete digestion. They are dominated by water and earth elements. They also reduce appetite. Even a slight overeating of heavy food throws the digestive system out of balance and also affects the metabolism. Though a person with a very strong digestive fire can easily absorb and assimilate heavy foods, it is advisable that these heavy foods should be consumed only as much as is sufficient to fill half or three-quarter of the stomach, and the remaining half or one-fourth of the stomach should remain empty. In this way, these foods also do not cause harm.

Food should be nutritious, simple (sättvika), complete and balanced, suitable for the body type (prakṛti). One must eat only after the digestion of the previous meal. If one pays attention to these points, food builds and supports the body, improves the complexion and general appearance, and increases the life-span. It also keeps all the dosas and dhatus in balance, leading to a body that is stable and in harmony. In Ayurveda food intake is prohibited while doing any distracting activity because at the time of eating the mind should be calm, peaceful and stable for the proper digestion of food. Only then can one derive maximum benefit from food.

Medicated smoking

Ayurveda recommends medicated smoking in case of heaviness in the head, headache, inflammation in the nose, migraine, pain in the eyes and ears, hiccoughs, bronchial asthma, sore throat, weak and painful teeth, watery discharge from the ears, nose and eyes, smells in the nose and mouth, loss of appetite, itching, infections, pale complexion, premature graying and shedding of hair, baldness, excessive sneezing, too much sleep, lethargy, dizziness, insomnia, heavy voice and several other disorders.

In Ayurveda various preparations using herbs and medicinal plants to prepare medicated cigars have been described. Narcotic drugs and tobacco are not used in these mixtures. Such medicated smoking provides nourishment to the hair, sinuses, voice and strengthens the sense organs. It also protects against throat, neck and head ailments caused by Vata and Kapha dosa. Eight times in a day are considered suitable for smoking. Smoke can be inhaled after bathing, cleaning of the tongue, brushing of the teeth, after meals, after sneezing, after nasya therapy, after kohl or collyrium application and after sleeping. If smoking is carried out only after these eight phases, diseases are not contracted. Inhaling three times consecutively is recommended at every smoking session.

When smoking is carried out properly, chest, throat and head feel lighter, and helps in loosening and eliminating catarrh. Too much smoking heats and dries the tongue, throat, palate and head. The sense organs become heated up and thirst increases which might also result in syncope, loss of consciousness, dizziness, and intrinsic hemorrhage (bleeding) may also be experienced from any part of the body. Therefore, smoking should be done carefully and in the proper dose. Smoking for the sake of intoxication is prohibited in Ayurveda.

Behavior: Good conduct

To remain healthy and happy in daily dinacharya, one must follow the path of spirituality and a proper code of conduct, that is decorum. Dharma (virtue), artha (wealth) and kāma (lust) should be viewed in a manner that does not cause mutual conflict. This way, one achieves happiness and bliss in any of the paradises in this world or the other. Contrarily, if a person earns wealth by wrong means, enjoys sexual indulgences and lust, in an indecent manner and they spend their wealth in this conduct, then dharma, arth and kāma mutually contradict each other. Such persons have to face difficulties in life and their downfall is sure. In this regard, one must duties of life properly and engrosses himself in lust and desire, comes back to his senses artha and käma in a balanced and decent manner. In contrast, one who does not fullfill his memorize the warning given by saint Valmiki that “A wise man is one who persues dharma, he falls down(17),” One should always speak the truth. Even small creatures such as ants and after his downfall in such a manner, just as one sleeping on a tree becomes conscious when insects must be treated equally. One must ever be ready to help the victimized, the sick and people who are saddened by bereavement. One must never disappoint those who need help or have contempt for them. God, cattle, noble people, aged persons, physicians and must be treated with respect and regard.

One must never try to achieve other’s properties and belongings or even desire to acquire them, nor should one have desire for other women. Keep away from wrong deeds and avoid ill-treating any individual with unrighteous conduct. Do not reveal the weaknesses and secrets of others. Company of people with unrighteous conduct, disruptive tendencies and tough-natured, violent individuals should be shunned. Be friendly with people working for universal welfare and approach them for their advice. On the other hand, one must always be careful of those who have disruptive tendencies.

Conduct to be avoided

The following conduct and habits need to be checked in the daily routine dinacharya :

Climbing trees, undergoing dangerous mountain rides, travelling in dangerous vehicles, bathing in a river flowing with force.
Sleeping on an uncovered, small, uneven and pillowless bed.
Do not step over a relative, aristocratic people, teacher, guide and worthy person, sacred trees and the shadow of an unworthy person.
Transgressing by keeping sacred things and worthy people on the left side while putting unholy things on the right side.
Keep away from uncivilized public behavior such as laughing loudly in a gathering, loud belching, yawning, coughing or sneezing without covering the mouth, blowing the nose, teeth chattering, scratching private parts, cracking nails and joints, placing limbs in awkward positions and moving ungracefully. In fact any behavior which is ill-mannered and troubles anyone else.
Staring at the sun, unprotected or at undesirable, impure and censured objects.
Entering late in the night and staying in temples, sacred places, near holy and auspicious trees, gardens, crossroads, graveyards and lonely places.
Venturing alone in a jungle or slaughter house.
It is unwise to show effrontery, courage or work more than one’s potential.
Bathing and sleeping more than required, staying awake at night, intake of excessive liquids.
Bathing during fatigue. Bathing without removing all clothes and without cleaning the mouth, and wearing the same clothes after bathing.
Maintain distance from snakes and animals with sharp horns and teeth.
Keeping fire under the bed. Also, one must stay away from fire when upset or unstable and after meals, especially if hands and mouth are unwashed.
Protect yourself against wind from the east, from sun, hail and wind storms.
Other things that need to be avoided are improper conduct, criminal acts, befriending wicked people, alienating people of good character, sitting for a long period with the knees drawn up.

Precautions while studying

Appropriate time and proper light should be arranged for studying. The main light source should be on the left or behind the person studying. Avoid studying at places where something is burning, in front of fire and during solar and lunar eclipses, important festivals, dusk and dawn. While studying, the body posture, distance and position of the book are very important factors. The reading material should neither be very close nor very far from the eyes and it should be at least one feet away from the body. Reading while lying down weakens the eyesight. Care should be taken to keep the pronunciation clear and complete when reading a loud. The voice should be neither too loud nor too soft or too harsh. Reading should not be done with too much or too little effort. Recitation should be neither too fast nor too slow and should have all the necessary intonations.

Norms of good conduct

Follow the universally accepted code of conduct and obey general rules and regulations. Keep an abiding faith in the cause and effect theory and the law of karma, and this should become the guiding principle of all actions.

Going to inappropriate places late at night is not advisable.
Do not eat, study, sleep and indulge in sex at dawn and dusk. This is the best time for self-realization, meditation, yoga and for spiritual and individual development.
Avoid alcoholism, intoxication, gambling and going to prostitutes.
Do not behave in an uncivilized manner and humiliate anyone. Being unfriendly a behaving rudely due to excessive pride is a wrong practice.
Stay away from impolite and uncultured behavior, tale bearing and using abusive words for older people, teachers, leaders and against anyone in a gathering.
Do not behave impatiently and too aggressively, and do not talk too much.
Take care of dependants and subordinates and do not look down on them.
Complete trust, without a suspicious nature or without being unduly dependent on someone is good.
Careful planning before undertaking a new project is highly recommended. Once a job is undertaken, avoid delaying, postponing and leaving it unfinished.
Maintain dignity in both success and defeat.
Avoid working with excessive happiness or anger. Being too sensitive about petty things is not wise and healthy.
Free yourself from bondage to your senses and mind. However, do not practice overly forceful suppression of desires.
Act according to your true nature and character.
Stop constantly thinking about past insults.
Your character, behavior and habits should not be a matter of ridicule. Dress appropriately. Share your happiness with others.

Who to befriend

Friendship should be with people having wisdom, intelligence, pure conduct, patience, strong memory and good concentration, as well as those who have attained knowledge and maturity and those who are in the company of such people, who add value to any conversation.

Those who are calm, remain free from worries and stress, think with clarity and can differentiate between good and bad.

Those whose behavior is impeccable and who always work for the common welfare. Those who support good conduct and whose name and philosophy is revered.

Persons not to befriend

One should not befriend those who lack the qualities enumerated above and who are deceitful, of bad character, having unrighteous conduct, who use abusive language, have unethical thoughts and a destructive mind, indulge in criticism and slander, are quarrelsome, greedy, envious, have contempt for others, are fickle-minded, cruel, unkind and those who have disruptive tendencies.