Can we stay without air, water, sunlight? NO. These are the base of our very own existences. Likewise, our culture, custom, tradition is the root of our life. Our ancient old methods called "Sampradaya" which was followed by our ancestors and our parents religiously. The simple basic of life, which our generation failing to follow and ending up in facing problems, which affecting their lifestyles, relationship, health etc in a very bad manner.
Our ancestors and parents used to get up before sunrise and start the daily routine with so much ease and enthusiasm. Cleaning outside the house and drawing beautiful Rangoli. Actually it has a greater meaning, it cleanses the night darkness with the positive morning. As mentioned in one of the famous Upanishads'Kathopanishad',a beautiful conversation with Yama and Nachiketa. when we go to sleep at night the body goes in to Nidra avastha it becomes like a dead body, once you get awareness and wakeup in the morning it's like a rebirth. In olden days there was no coat system like how we have in our bedrooms, they used to sleep on the ground on mats and thin mattress which was folded and kept, as soon as they get up. Ladies used take bath before entering the kitchen, and men before going out of the house.
In those days use of metals in day to day life had a great impact on body-mind and health. It is now the well-established fact that there is a life energy in everything we come in contact with. When we keep food or water in any metallic container, it tends to absorb the qualities of the metal. Also to have freshly cooked food. Food cooked and kept for more than 3 hours is not suitable to eat. It looses all its nutrition and satvik properties of the food and become tamsik which have a very bad impact on mind and body.
Also in olden days, Ayurveda was the way of healthy living and it's principles follow the law of nature. To respect the nature and the power of healing. The therapies which heal through the natural way, earth, air, water, fire, sound, touch, smell, taste, various variety of herbs, minerals. Preparation and dispensing of medicines were done in a very holistic manner. By chanting mantras, mediation, by which the medicinal properties get more of positive vibration.
In Indian tradition, we have a practice of worshipping "Tulsi". Which is been followed for thousands of years. Most of the festival include worship of trees like - Neem, Peepul, Banyan, as well as herbs like Tulsi. In Sanskrit, they say - that which is incomparable in its qualities is Tulsi... In fact, it is known to be the only plant which once used in worship can be washed and reused in Pooja. As it is self -purifying.
Also, ecology plays an important role. Leaves of coconut tree help us to create an eco–friendly atmosphere. They say eating on a banana leaf with a spoon or fork is very difficult. Hence a meal eaten with our hands using fingers, with folded legs, and back straight. Very good for digestion, and it has a lot of health benefits.
Lastly, performing "Agnihotra", which I follow at my house. It's a unique process of purification of the atmosphere/air in the house. I do it in rainy and winter season. Since the weather will be moist and kids tend to fall sick often. It keeps the air free from bacteria. The process is done in a copper havan kund which we use it for performing sacred yajna, by using cow dung cake, ghee, Carmon seeds, cardamon, camphor and lite the fire. With its smoke, it purifies the air, destroys all the bacteria. And also resist mosquitoes coming in the house and very good for plants too.
If we try to inculcate ancient methods in our day to day life, we can stay healthy and happy. Today's generation has no clue about all this. Kids busy with Ipad, and television and eating junk foods. As parents, it's our responsibility to give our kids a rich knowledge of our ancient methodology, custom and traditional values. So that they lead a life in harmony.
I strongly believe in all his and have inculcated the same to my 5-year-old son, who is very much spiritual, an early raiser - from the time he has born. Loves doing pooja and chant mantras and verses from Bhagavad Gita. He enjoys decorating the house on all festivals and help me in cleaning my Pooja room and decorating and arranging god's. Extremely particular about things around him. A very good player, he loves cricket and football. An amazing artist. There is a lot to say about him ππ
Let's make an effort to give our coming generation a good clean healthy life and make our life more meaningful.