New Year Resolutions

At this juncture of two years, was thinking of New Year Resolutions.

1. Bhakti Yoga: Life is a play with God. There is no one else in this world. There is only me and God. It is with God in different forms that I interact. It is God who is every person, object and situation in life. I need to treat everyone with gratitude and kindness. I need to do whatever is expected of me in every situation. I need to do everything to the best of my ability without any complacency, true to my convictions. I need to take things without any word of complain or dejection. (See point 24, Towards the Goal Supreme or Paramartha Prasanga by Swami Virajananda, published by Advaita Ashrama)
2. Dhyaana Yoga: Formal japa and meditation twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Informal continual japa during all the other times as much as possible. There should not be any stray unwilled thoughts as much as possible. All of them should be replaced by japa.
3. Karma Yoga:
   1. Yagna: Do something constructive and contributory to the society. Active engagement in beneficial work in major part of the day keeps the mind healthy. The work can be regular professional work during office hours on week days, family work at other times, social service when required, etc.  It is more important that everything is done with a sense of cheerful duty and contribution, not as a means to make money or get recognition. This way, there is no difference between profession, family responsibilities and social service.
   2. Daana: Regular charity and as the need arises are also important. At least 10% of money earned should be spent on people not directly connected or contributing to our life. Some amount of effort and time also has to be spent in charity.
   3. Tapas: Remember everyday and follow always the points mentioned in the slokas of Gita on tapas (17.14, 15, 16), the list of 10 Yamas and Niyamas of Patanjali, the list of Sadhana Chatustaya of Vedanta.
4. Jnaana Yoga: Regular study and contemplation of scriptures and good books is essential. There should always be three books that I read/study everyday:
   1. One of the classical books like Gita, Upanisads, Sankara’s works, Puranas, Epics, etc. (1 hour)
   2. A book directly related to people who are my main ideals in life – Sri Ramakrishna and his disciples, and Sri Ramana Maharshi. (30 minutes)
   3. A good book apart from the above two. (30 minutes)

I have been trying to live by these. I need to increase the vigor.