Hello! The best way is to run the Vault of Glass with all your characters. VOG always guarantees you with Ascendant shards or Energy. Dismantling VOG raid gear gives you materials also. If you need RADIANT shards or energy, run the Crotas End Raid. You are guaranteed some radiant shards or energy. Dismantling CE raid gear gives you materials also. Need Etheric Light to ascend your armor/weapons? Completing Nightfalls gives you a chance. Doing level 34 and 35 Prison of Elders guarantees you 1 piece. Need Spinmetal, Helium Filaments, Spirit Blooms or Relic Iron? Do the daily Patrol Bounty to receive 10 from said planet Just patrol, search around for them on the ground and open loot chests in caves and hiding spots. You can get the most from purchasing them from the Crucible and Vanguard Quartermaster. They sell you 20 of any kind for 10 crucible/vanguard marks. Exotic Shards? Dismantle unwanted exotics or purchase them from Xur for 7 strange coins. Need Strange Coins? Complete the Weekly Heroic on all characters. Turn in BLUE engrams, and compete in the crucible. Motes of Light? Purchase them from Xur. Price is unsure.

Daily heroics, raids, nightfalls, legendary engrams

Hey psybr1! If you are looking for Ascendant materials, I would suggest doing the Vault of Glass. IF you were to get "lucky" you could get 27 ascendent materials overall. You can also do the nightfalls for a chance at these materials. Good luck! -Dreg <3

Vault of glass is your best bet for getting ascendant materials.