Nieltze Huppes has written a book on some of these daily practices. People have found it helpful. The fewer terms we use, the better. What is important is to inspire in them the quest for a higher Reality, a greater Truth, an upright living with faith and courage, mental honesty and truthfulness. If there is awakened in them the need for truth, then all else will come. Learning to concentrate in the heart is also helpful with an image or an idea.
Silencing the mind is a tall order. What can be practiced is the quietening of the mind. A simple technique is to focus on the breath for 5 to 10 minutes, practice witnessing, and the benefits of mantras, especially the Shanti mantra or Om.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
