GĪTĀ in the morning & Bhagavataṃ in the evening
My mausa was an ardent follower of Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP - All World Gayatri Pariwar, https://www.awgp.org); he used to perform Gayatri Yajña (यज्ञ) at his home every Sunday. This used to be my favorite time to visit their home, and Sunday being a school holiday this was never a problem. They used to live close to our home (~2 km)
Recently his soul made his journey back to the Universe. While talking to my cousin sister, we reflected on our lives back then. Life was simple, and our lives were more connected. They used to live inside the University campus, this space is surrounded by green trees all over with fresh air, it was like an oasis in the middle of the city for us. I used to love going there also because I liked the independence of going there; the walk in silence; and the joy I felt just by being in that space. There was something magical about it.
Growing up, my father was in the Army and stationed away from home for much of our lives. And we grew up seeing other father like figures around us - uncles and relatives. During this time, my mausa was an inspiration for me and probably the reason why I chose the path of Yoga in my life.
I recently learned he used to read two books daily and believed that everyone must read them. They are undoubtedly the two gems that we all know of, Gītā (गीता) and Bhagavatam (भगवतं) and the instructions are to read Gītā (गीता) in the morning; so you are ready for life, performing duties (Karma) for your daily living (Dharma) fully involved without worrying about the result; like the Sun sacrifice itself to give light to everyone.
While in the evening, after the day's activity is over; read Bhagavatam (भगवतं) to learn the emotional, spiritual, and transcendental relationship with God; Pure devotion being the highest and easiest path to liberation for all human beings. Bhagavatam shows that you can connect with the Divine intimately through human relationships; whether be it a servant-master, best friend, child or lover.
The takeaway of the scripture is
Ultimate liberation (or independence) from the suffering of life and death is God
Anyone can attain liberation purely through the sincerity of their hearts
The entire universe and our lives within it are a divine play
By listening to the stories (Lila), a person naturally detaches from their own worldly anxieties; and transforms the worldview from fear to trust—realizing that the same power maintaining the galaxies is playfully guiding your soul home.
Therefore, read Bhagavatam (भगवतं) in the evening; and rest without any fear, with a complete trust in the divinity; and rejuvenate your body & mind in your sleep by merging your soul with the Ultimate (God).
You can refer to the following four verses of Bhagavatam that is the essence of this teaching -
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