Rules for a Healthy Life

Here are some rules to maintain physical and mental well-being:

• Wake up before sunrise.
• Upon waking, remember god.
• Wash your hands and face, then drink about a liter of cool water.
• Wash your eyes with cold water.
• Never hold back urine or bowel movements.
• Spend some time outdoors in the morning, breathing fresh air.
• After bathing in the morning, offer water to Surya Bhagavan.
• Pray in the morning and evening.
• Perform at least 1000 nama japa daily.
• Read sacred scriptures every day.
• Do not overeat.
• Understand that food is for nourishing the body, not for indulging the tongue.
• Avoid eating leftover food from others and do not offer your leftovers to others.
• Do not drink too much water with meals.
• Avoid intoxicants.
• Avoid meat consumption.
• Do not sleep during the day.
• Do not stay awake too long at night.
• The human body needs six hours of sleep.
• Avoid gambling and betting.
• Do not excessively use entertainment media.
• Dress simply.
• Avoid using makeup.
• Do not be overly obsessed with your appearance.
• Avoid spending money by taking loans.
• Spend less.
• Treat those dependent on you with kindness and love.
• Do not be overly attached to wealth.
• Do not accept food or medicine from strangers.
• Avoid home remedies from social media, as many are not scientifically correct.
• Do not over-exercise.
• Reduce participation in lavish social gatherings.
• Avoid unnecessary arguments.
• Do not insult or mock others.
• Cultivate humility.
• Speak sweetly and behave kindly with others.
• Avoid premarital and extramarital physical relationships.
• Avoid negative thoughts and mental stress.
• Avoid anger.
• Do not blame others unnecessarily.
• Practice non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion.
• Accept what God provides with gratitude and be content with it.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi