'Life & Day—The Indian Way'

'Life & Day – The Indian Way' by Swamini Vimalananda, Chinmaya Mission, is a concise yet enlightening book that transforms our daily routines into exciting experiences. It’s a fun read with a lot of informative insights drawn from Hindu scriptures (the Bhagawad Gita, Hanuman Chalisa) to illustrate a balanced lifestyle (dinacharya) and a fulfilling life plan (jivanacharya).She begins by describing the best practices for sleeping and waking, including slokas to chant for clearing thoughts and starting the day with a fresh mindset. The importance of oil massage in our cleansing routine is highlighted next, and also how its omission has led to many modern diseases. She delves into the spiritual aspects of bathing, presenting it not merely as a physical act of cleansing but as a ritualistic bath (abhisheka) offered to the Lord residing within us. She classifies baths into seven types as discussed in Hindu scriptures, enhancing our understanding of this daily practice.According to the saying, ‘As the mind, so the man’, the book explains why spiritual practices as essential as other routine aspects are. Swaminiji asserts that food nourishes both the body and the mind, quoting slokas from the Gita and other scriptures to highlight the best practices for eating, such as the type of food, attitude, time, and place.Serving others is emphasized as a vital part of our routine. Swaminiji discusses various rnas (debts) and the satisfaction and joy derived from service. She also guides readers on choosing their profession, referencing texts like Karma Yoga in the Gita.Interestingly, the book covers entertainment, stating that leisure activities can affect our growth and should be chosen with the right attitude and measure. Exercise, particularly Yoga, is highlighted as a holistic practice essential to dinacharya (daily routine)..Lastly, Swaminiji explores jivanacharya (life plan), explaining that human life is divided into four stages as mentioned in Hindu scriptures, detailing the duties and responsibilities for each stage. This idea ensures a planned, happy, and fulfilling life from womb to tomb.As the saying goes, ‘We become what we repeatedly do’. This book gives practical tips to enhance our lifestyle and make us better people. She points out the whys for all the practices mentioned in our scriptures thus making it easier to understand and follow. It serves as an eye-opener, proposing simple yet effective methods for long-term well-being. By emphasizing the integration of divinity into daily life, I find this book a profound guide for enhancing one’s daily life with spiritual and practical wisdom, making it a must-read for those seeking a balanced and enriched lifestyle.