Guru Pūrṇimā: From Darkness to Light
Guru Pūrṇimā marks our new year, leading from darkness to light. In Kali Yuga, negative energy spreads like wildfire, consuming the world through cruel practices like meat-eating. Meat's origin is unknown and could include human flesh, showing this age's depth. All creatures have eyes and a soul; you see God in the eyes of other beings, for every soul is the same God. Despite practices, you will not see God if you do not recognize this unity in all life. Every creature feels fear and pain, and torturing them distances us from divinity. Those under a saint's shelter avoid harming life; others remain in darkness. The guru guides you, even through harsh lessons that remove karma, for his bitterness brings the sweetness of knowledge and protection. Upholding your dharma—your duty to protect every creature and element—is essential, as dharma will then protect you. The complete remains complete. Human dharma is to protect all life. While negative ways spread, a positive message grows through practice and teachings, which we must share. Follow your master's guidance for your good, as unified vibration creates strength.
"Every soul is the same."
"Gu means darkness, ru means light."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
Up next
Gold and God
Yoga is for health, harmony, understanding, peace, long life, and friendship. All yoga schools are good, regardless of association with religion. Humans have come a far distance from living in forests. We are now separated but do good for ourselves and others. Long ago, there was no money and people lived happily by giving to each other. Money and gold later arrived, creating desire and a system of transaction. Now we seek gold and material possessions, but these things remain after we are gone. It does not matter which religion or place one is from; being human is what matters. God gave yoga to make the body healthy and happy so one may live a long, peaceful life.
"Yoga is for good health, harmony, understanding, peace, long life, and friendship."
"God gave us yoga so that we could have a healthy body, a happy body, so that we could live in it for a long time."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Eat seasonal and alkaline food
Health is founded on traditional principles of diet and daily living. Doctors are vital for acute issues, but lasting health requires personal discipline. We must eat seasonal, local produce as provided by nature, not rely on imported or processed foods. Home cooking is essential for knowing what we consume. Design your diet around alkaline foods and understand that health is about what you digest, not merely what you eat. Establish a daily regimen including yoga and prāṇāyāma. Incorporate a weekly detox, perhaps using foods like kicharī with alternative grains. All traditions recognize cleansing periods, like 40-day fasts. The universe and our bodies are composed of five elements—earth, space, air, fire, water—unified in consciousness. Being in wise company supports our spiritual and physical journey.
"Please design your diet around the seasons. So what Mother Nature is giving you, design your body around that first."
"In yoga, we say you are what you digest, yeah. So your digestive system is going to be so strong that it has the ability to digest the food that you want to put in this."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
Build your intellect supportive
A clear aim is essential to prevent the intellect from becoming a destructive distraction. Without a definite purpose, the mind wavers among endless possibilities, changing direction with every new suggestion. This lack of clarity makes one susceptible to external influences and gossip, which act like poison, spoiling spiritual practice as lemon curdles milk. Negative talk and jealousy introduce destructive thoughts that can damage years of spiritual effort. One must therefore cultivate an intensive, unwavering aim and avoid all sources of negative influence. Protect your consciousness from harmful information that creates doubt and disturbs your peace. Spiritual progress requires guarding the mind and maintaining humility, allowing the intellect to become a supportive tool rather than an obstacle.
"Your aim must be very clear, intensive, and good. Nothing should be able to change you."
"One stupid thought, one stupid person, can destroy all your spiritual sādhanā."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
DVD 180a
Meditation for every creatures
Today is a beautiful day for the entire world, a day without sun or moon. Many beings, like cows in India, are suffering. We witness these events but feel limited in our capacity to act. For this period of meditation, sit in your heart and think of all creatures. Use your mala with this mantra and feeling. From your heart, give blessings so all may have this beautiful day. This meditation is for all beings, including animals in homes and forests. Sit or lie down as you like, but become one in this intention.
"Give the blessings so that all should have today, on this beautiful day."
"We will, we can give from our heart; it will be good for them."
