Shloka : 78

साष्टांगप्रणतिश्चेति नियमा उत्तमा मता: ।

एतेष्वेकतमो भक्त्या धारणीयो विशेषत: ॥ 78 ॥

તથા ભગવાનને સાષ્ટાંગ નમસ્કાર કરવા. એ જે આઠ પ્રકારના નિયમ તે અમે ઉત્તમ માન્યા છે; તે માટે એ નિયમમાંથી કોઈ એક નિયમ જે તે, ચોમાસાને વિષે વિશેષપણે ભક્તિએ કરીને ધારવો. ॥ 78 ॥

And bow down to God using all the eight limbs. Above mentioned eight vows, I consider the best, therefore one of them should be followed during the monsoon with extra devotion. || 78 ||

Commentary

And bow down to God using all the eight limbs. Above mentioned eight vows are considered the best according to Shriji Maharaj. Now 'Sashtang' means using two hands, two feet, two knees, chest, head, eyes and speech - one should bow down to God while reciting His name. 'Panchang' means to bow down using five limbs i.e. two hands, two knees, head, eyes and speech. 'Sashtang' salutation should be offered only by men and 'Panchang' salutation can be offered by all men as well as women. While offering the saluta­tion, one should remain on the right side of God and using right-left hands, one should touch the right-left foot respectively (in mind). After that at some distance one should lie down straight and offer 'Sashtang' salutation. It is forbidden to use only one hand while offering salutation, therefore both the hands should be used.

Other than these eight vows, there are other vows which could be taken during the four months of monsoon. They include -to follow celibacy, to conquer anger, greed and to give up tastes of tongue, to control the senses like eyes, ears etc. from the five sensual desires, to give up ego, to concentrate the senses and mind on Shri Hari i.e. to meditate God everyday by controlling the senses as per one’s capacity.