Anusthan Guidelines

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15 March 2012 9 Comments Print article

The closer one adheres to the following
anusthan recommendations, the more
powerful the results of the anusthan.
However, it is recognized that most of us are
not able to be strict with all the conditions,
especially #9, which suggests that we do not
leave the location of the anusthan for its
duration. Shri Anandi Ma and Dileepji are
aware of this and encourage us to perform
the anusthan and to follow the guidelines to
the maximum extent possible and practical
in our lives without causing disturbance.
There is still much benefit to be gained from
the performance of anusthan, regardless of
our ability to follow the rules precisely, so
one is encouraged to practice even a small anusthan, offering the fruits of your spiritual
progress to God.

GUIDELINES

1. Begin anusthan at Brahma-muhurta — the ideal time for spiritual practice,

between 4 and 6 A.M.

2. Take a shower and wear clean clothes before beginning. If possible, keep a
separate outfit of clothing for anusthan only. If you have a bowel movement, it is
recommended to shower again afterwards. If you urinate, wash your hands and
feet completely and repeat the purification mantras (Vajra Panjar graduates
only) again.

3. Keep your asan and surroundings pure. Fire is required to be present as a

witness to the anusthan. Guruji recommends burning a ghee lamp continuously
during anusthan. The ghee lamp makes the atmosphere pure and sattvic and
helps the energy. Ghee is made from clarified butter (heat butter and take the
clear portion only); a wick may be made from a portion of a cotton ball and set in
a small bowl. An oil lamp or candle may be substituted. Burning incense also
helps to purify the atmosphere. Wash puja vessels (Vajra Panjar graduates only)
every day and do not drink from them.

4. Do not get up from the asan until you have finished the repetition. If you need
to get up for calls of nature, you can do so, but begin with the necessary
purification as mentioned in #2 above.
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5. Do not talk. Observe silence as much as possible throughout the days of the
anusthan. This greatly increases your energy.

6. Eat as lightly as possible. Eating only sattvic foods such as fruit, nuts, and
dairy is ideal. The next best is eating only one meal a day, with fruit and nuts in
the evening. Avoid tamasic foods such as alcohol, meat, eggs, onion, and garlic.
These latter foods work against the success of the anusthan.

7. Maintain celibacy. Celibacy is further recommended beyond the completion of

the anusthan for a period of three times the length of the anusthan. Remember,
this is only a recommendation.

8. Keep the mind engrossed in spiritual thoughts. Use any spare time during the
days of anusthan reading scriptures or books on saints, etc. The idea is to keep
the mind totally engrossed in pure, sattvic thoughts. Do not read or expose
yourself to materials that might negatively turn the mind.

9. Do not go for a walk. The mind becomes active with walking. Exercise at
home with hatha yoga asana, etc. It is recommended that you not leave the area
of the anusthan. This is a strict rule and not all may be able to follow it. Although
many people have to go out to work, avoid any unnecessary ventures during
anusthan.

10. Do not get angry or curse anyone during anusthan. This can be dangerous.
Remain calm. See the Lord in everyone, and spread love all around you.

11. When possible, make arrangements not to be disturbed during the anusthan.

12. Perform the anusthan with love, faith, and devotion. Do not worry about the
results. Offer them to God and Guru.

13. Women who begin menstruating during anusthan should stop for four days
and, after bathing and washing their hair, resume on the fifth day where they
have left off. In any event, the anusthan should be completed by the full moon.
These are some of the basic rules for general anusthan. Anusthans of specific practices
may have more specific rules. The degree of success and evolution will depend on your
faith, concentration and attention to these rules as much as possible.

NOTE: Those who have taken the Vajra Panjar Advanced training may incorporate the
anusthan practices learned at that time.

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