Five Constant Duties of a Hindu

Pacha Nitya Karmas

In addition to the normal activities associated with
one's profession (varna dharma) and stage in life
(shrama dharma), the daily routine of a devout
Hindu is to perform pacha mah yagas (five
daily duties) and pacha nitya karmas (five constant
duties). These are the minimal practices which guide a
person in everyday life and ensure peace, material
and spiritual prosperity.
Dharma (Righteousness): Live a virtuous life
in accordance with the teachings of the
scriptures. Cultivate virtues of purity, self-
control, detachment, thinking of others first,
truth and ahims. Be respectful of parents,
teachers, and elders. Dharma also means
performing all duties associated with one's
normal profession, and individual and social
obligations. Work must be performed purely
for its own sake. This means that all actions
must be performed for excellence and not
merely for reward (nishkama karma). "Fix thy
heart upon thy work, but not on its reward.
Work not for a reward; but never cease to do
thy work." (Bhagavad Gt 2.47)
Tirthaytr (Pilgrimage): Regularly visit
regularly holy persons, temples, and sacred
pilgrimage sites. Such journeys provide
freedom from routine life and thereby freshen
the mind. Pilgrimages also help to create a
sense of togetherness in the family, since all
members undertake the pilgrimages together.

Utsava (Holy Days): Participate in festivals

and holy days in the home and temple.
Observe fasts on holy days. This practice
inculcates God-consciousness, refreshes the
mind and creates a sense of togetherness in
the family and the community. Hindu sages
tell us that occasional fasting prevents bodily
diseases, restores the body's healing power,
and heals the mind by removing lust, anger,
hatred, pride, and jealousy.

Samskras (Sacraments): Perform

variousSamskras in accor-dance with the
scriptures.Samskras are the religious
ceremonies which mark and sanctify an
individual's passage through life. They purify
the mind by inculcating truthfulness in the
mind, and purity and generosity in the heart.

Sarva Brahm (God is in all): God lives in

the hearts of all beings. Practice this truth,
realize it and be free.