Question: I am unable to follow one very important instruction of Śrīla Prabhupāda, which is to wake up early in the morning for attending maṅgala-ārati. I try for few days and then I lose my enthusiasm. Gurudeva, could you kindly elaborate on the importance of maṅgala-ārati and waking up at the brāhma-muhūrta?

Jayapataka Swami: Sometimes devotees would ask Śrīla Prabhupāda this question. He would advise them to take rest early, to not eat heavy prasāda late at night. He would take puffed rice or some light meal. So, like this, he was instructing people, not to eat too heavy at night so they could wake up early. The early morning is considered in the mode of goodness. That time is very good for our spiritual life. As the day goes on, the mode of passion comes into play and then in the evening, the mode of ignorance. So, if we don’t chant or attend the maṅgala-ārati, in the brāhma-muhūrta, you are missing the best time of the day for your spiritual life.
17-July-2020 SRI DHAM MAYAPUR, INDIA