In Hinduism, Brahma Muhurta is considered an extremely auspicious time, also known as Amrit Vela and Akshaya Muhurta, which colloquially refers to the time of God. This period before sunrise usually falls between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM. During this time, according to religious beliefs, various practices can be performed, including chanting mantras, which are considered beneficial and happy.
The renowned spiritual guide Premanand Maharaj from Mathura-Vrindavan shared his views on Brahma Muhurta. He noted that when he interacts with new followers who describe their daily routines, such as taking a shower at 6:30 AM, the question arises of how spiritual practice can occur after such a long sleep. He emphasized that it is natural to question the practice and lifestyle of a sadhaka who sleeps until 6:30 AM.
It is not enough just to listen to sadhana
Premanand Maharaj asserts that even if a person listens extensively to sadhana and discourses, discussing God, but their daily routine does not change, they should consider the reasons for the lack of influence of spiritual practices on their life. Although listening to sadhana is a good deed, it is crucial to simultaneously improve one's daily regimen. Adhering to rules, regular waking, chanting mantras, and meditation are integral parts of spiritual practice.
He also wonders why the practice becomes so weak that a person falls back asleep after waking up. Maharaj advises creating a new routine starting today. If the old routine is acceptable, it should be maintained; if it has flaws, they must be corrected. It is necessary to write down one's schedule and adhere to the established rules. However, merely writing it in a journal is insufficient; the person must witness this process and honestly follow their rules. Without rules, love cannot be stable, and discipline and regularity are very important in spiritual practice.
Maharaj urges observing the lives of any saint, where discipline in their daily routine is always visible. Instead of imitating the special states of great people, one should incorporate their teachings and rules of spiritual practice into one's own life.
Body health is a prerequisite for spiritual practice
He reminds us that life is priceless, and as long as the body is healthy, a person has the opportunity to engage in bhajan, listen to sadhana, and remember the name of God. When serious illness strikes, a person suddenly realizes the reality of life. Even good people may experience disturbed peace of mind after receiving a medical diagnosis, and they begin to think only about sickness and death, getting distracted from everything else in the world. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize the time while the body is healthy, and bhajan should not be postponed. Saints constantly explained that attention should be paid to bhajan while the body is healthy and before old age sets in.
Refuge in God and the repetition of His name
Furthermore, Premanand Maharaj states that two things are very important in spiritual practice: internal refuge in God and uttering His name with the mouth. When a person regularly remembers the name of God and contemplates Him, detachment from the world gradually begins to grow within them. They become indifferent to many things in the world on their own. The influence of bhajan extends not only to external behavior but also to the mind and inner state. External purity is achieved through external actions, whereas the purity of the inner state is achieved through contemplation and bhajan. When spiritual practice begins on both an external and internal level, character gradually changes.
Daily routine as a means for mental discipline
A daily routine does not just mean allocating time; its goal is also to discipline the mind. There must be a clear rule regarding when to chant mantras, when to listen to sadhana, when to perform parikhara, when to observe silence, and when to eat. If you decide to engage in bhajan at a certain time in the morning, that time should be reserved for that purpose. If initially only 10 minutes are possible, start with 10 minutes, but strictly follow this rule. Gradually, the practice will strengthen, and the time can be increased.