Hare Krsna! I read that you should sleep with your head facing south and the deities towards the north east. How important is this for householder worship and the spirit soul? Thanks! Hare Krsna!
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In Vaishnava traditions, it is recommended to sleep with your head facing south for better rest and to place deities in the northeast corner for a positive spiritual atmosphere. While these practices are important to many, the most crucial aspect is sincerity and building a loving relationship with the Supreme. Consulting a spiritual guide can provide further guidance.
Hare Krishna!
Regarding the direction of sleeping, it is recommended to sleep with the head facing south. This is because the south is associated with the god of death, Yamaraja, and sleeping with the head facing south is believed to help one overcome the fear of death. In the Padma Purana, it is stated, "One should lie down with his head towards the south, for thus one becomes free from disease and death." (Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda 236.8)
As for the placement of the deities, it is recommended to place them in the northeast direction of the house as it is considered to be the most auspicious direction for worship. This is because the northeast direction is associated with purity, positivity, and spiritual energy. In the Skanda Purana, it is stated, "The northeast corner is the most auspicious direction for the worship of the Lord." (Skanda Purana, Prabhasa Khanda 1.16.20)
Srila Prabhupada also emphasizes the importance of following Vedic principles in all aspects of life, including householder worship. He advises that one should always strive to follow the Vedic injunctions to the best of their ability in order to purify their consciousness and progress spiritually. In a lecture given in 1975, Srila Prabhupada stated, "So this is the Vedic culture, to follow the rules and regulations given by the Vedic literature. Then you become perfect. Your life becomes perfect, your everything becomes perfect." (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, November 22, 1975)
In conclusion, it is important to follow the Vedic principles regarding the direction of sleeping and the placement of deities in the home altar for the benefit of one's physical and spiritual well-being. Hare Krishna!