Aarti
What is Brahma Muhurta?
My grandfather wakes up his deities of choice in the altar every day at 4:30 a.m. with his sacred murmurings. When he’s done, he takes a long stroll and meditates. He always says, “Aah, what a beautiful morning,” when he arrives home in the morning.
Brahmamuhurta, the hour and a half before sunrise, has always had a special place in my grandfather’s heart. In fact, he is so dedicated to his morning routine that you may see him doing it even when it’s freezing outside. He credits his routine with keeping him healthy. (Despite being in his eighties, he maintains a healthy, upright posture while walking and sitting.)
It appears that historical medical authorities agree with him. According to the Ayurvedic text Ashtanga Hridaya, rising at Brahma Muhurta extends life expectancy and makes it easier to avoid illness: “Brahmi Muhurtam uttishthet swastho rakshartham ayusha: tatra sarvartha shantyartham smareccha madhusudanam.”
Brahma Muhurta: Me-Time re-defined
The prospect of a longer, healthier life is alluring. But there’s more to my grandpa’s affinity for the dawn hours than that. It’s his “me” time, in his own words. He elucidated it for me. He claimed that we catered to the world’s whims from dawn ’til dusk. We spend our days working and spending time with our families and friends. Nighttime provides some alone time. However, during that time, you have no strength left. Brahma Muhurta timing is unique in that it is the only moment when you are alert, refreshed, and able to tune within effortlessly.
5 things to do during Brahma Muhurta
Our forefathers realised that internal tuning might be aided by engaging in specific activities at Brahma Muhurta. These things can help make your alone time more memorable and productive in your life and the world at large. The following are suggestions made by ancient literature such as the Dharmashastras, the Hindu treatise on Dharma, and Ashtanga Hridaya:
1. Meditate
The best method to get to know oneself is via meditation. And while everyone else is sound asleep, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit quietly and reflect. Right now is when your degree of consciousness is highest. Sahaj Samadhi is a powerful method for meditating during the Brahma Muhurta.
2. Read or hear knowledge
Brahma Muhurta, as described by Ashtanga Hridaya, is the optimal period for gaining insight into the divine. Read the classics or refresh yourself on the basics of wisdom. Dharmashastra also suggests that studying scriptures during Brahma Muhurta might be beneficial for relieving mental health issues.
3. Plan Your Day
Brahma Muhurta is the ideal time to organise your day because of the heightened alertness and renewed energy it provides.
4. Introspect
Think back on what you did the day before. Think back on the times you gave in to destructive feelings such as envy, rage, or greed. Don’t let regrets wash over you because of the past. Focus on being present in those times. Practising this habitually will help you overcome your propensity to indulge in destructive emotions.
5. Remember your parents, Guru, and God
In our busy lives, it can be easy to forget the people who truly matter to us. During this time, Rishi Shaunak advises that you mentally bow down to your parents, your Guru, and whatever higher power you want to identify as God or universal energy.
Things not to do in Brahma Muhurta
- Do not eat: Eating during Brahma Muhurta causes illnesses.
2. Do not do a stressful activity: Do not do anything which requires too much mental work. Doing that reduces one’s lifespan.
Should everyone wake up in Brahma Muhurta?
Only those in good health, says Ashtanga Hridaya, should rise during Brahma Muhurta. Some people are warned in the text not to get up during Brahmamuhurta.
In-utero females
Children
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People of advanced age who have never risen throughout this time
Those who are afflicted by both mental and physical disorders
Those whose stomachs are still working on their last meal (those who haven’t gone to the toilet in a while).
If you aren’t one of the groups mentioned above, it’s best to get up during Brahma Muhurta.You’ll have a lot more energy and be five times more productive.
Dr. Anjali Ashok, Sri Sri Ayurveda, and Pundit Vishwajeet of Ved Agama Samskrutha Maha Pathshala provided inputs for this article.
