Christmas with Swamiji in Vienna
We celebrate the arrival of Jesus, a festival of peace, love, and unity. The world needs light, both physical and the divine light of wisdom within every being. Since organized religion began, division has followed, unlike the universal, indivisible consciousness of Sanātana Dharma. Human greed creates ownership and mental pollution, which is more dangerous than physical waste. Before a bomb destroys others, it destroys itself; similarly, negative thoughts first harm the one who holds them. We are called not to judge, but to forgive and to hate the sin, not the sinner. Modern celebrations have become materialistic and polluting, especially with single-use plastics, which now seem immortal. The true gift is non-material, offered openly without harmful packaging. Our spiritual duty is selfless service, to pass on immortal wisdom. A true disciple, like Jesus, endures suffering without abandoning principle to deliver a divine message. We must write and share immortal wisdom through devotion and trust.
"Forgive them; they do not know what they are doing."
"We hate the sin, but not the sinner."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
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Learning in the Gurukul
The Gurukul provides traditional education rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, distinct from modern commercial systems. Education began with the ṛṣis, and the first university was Takshilā in India. Our Gurukul adopts students as Jñānaputra, offering free education. The ancient Pītāmbara uniform symbolizes purity and focus. True education is cultural, ethical, and spiritual, not merely for earning money. Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. Sanskrit is the mother of most languages, and Indian culture spread globally. The Gurukul system was dismantled under British rule, replaced by a limited English system. We now blend modern competitiveness with foundational morality, teaching why to use knowledge, not just how. Education must be daily and consistent, like eating. Supporters make this possible.
"Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. From the hand, you can steal money... but in the mind, the knowledge, no one can take it."
"We have to have modern education to be competitive in this world. But still, on top of that, Gurudev is trying to put one more layer, which was actually there before."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
The Festival of Holī: From Darkness to Light
The festival of Holī celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Culture and tradition unite us, creating family and community. Human life is a precious opportunity for spiritual progress, the final step toward self-realization. The journey is like a river seeking the ocean or a leaf separated from its tree, fraught with obstacles. Ego and negative qualities must die for the pure self to live. This is not easily achieved, as illustrated by a disciple who claimed enlightenment yet reacted with anger when tested. The story of Holī originates from the demon king Hiraṇyakaśipu, who sought immortality through a boon making him nearly invincible. His devout son Prahlāda, protected by divine grace, survived all attempts on his life. The king’s sister Holikā, who was immune to fire, perished when trying to burn Prahlāda, while he remained unharmed. The king was ultimately destroyed by the divine Narasiṁha avatāra, a half-man, half-lion form, at twilight, at a threshold, fulfilling the conditions of the boon. The festival thus symbolizes the destruction of negative forces and the protection of devotion. It is a day for joy, color, and harmony, reminding us to cultivate goodness and reduce negativity within.
"Human life is the last milestone to enter into that kingdom of the Supreme."
"‘Die’ means ego, selfishness, greed, anger, hate, jealousy, revenge, cruelties, backbiting, negative thinking."
Filming location: Brisbane, Australia
Do not waste your human life
Dharma is the path of righteousness, while adharma is its opposite. We each have a personal duty to follow. Jealousy and ego divert us from this path. Dharma protects those who protect it. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna was conflicted about fighting his family, but Krishna instructed him to uphold dharma by opposing adharma. Divine incarnations occur to restore dharma when evil prevails. The current Kali Yuga is still early; a time will come when dharma nearly vanishes. Human birth is a rare blessing after passing through millions of life forms. What we do with this life determines our future. Four blessings are essential: divine grace, scripture, the Guru, and self-effort. The Guru's grace is paramount, guiding and protecting, but we must take the initiative. We must follow the Guru's instruction without logic, as the Guru sees past, present, and future. Calm the mind and let thoughts pass without engaging them. Cultivate contentment and avoid greed. Students should embody five qualities: the crow's determination, the crane's concentration, the dog's alert sleep, eating little, and living away from home for discipline. Be in the company of truth, satsang, which brings lasting happiness. Fulfill your duty to yourself first, then to others. Do not give up; the Guru protects the disciple eternally. Perform selfless service without desire for recognition. Surrender fully. Do not dwell on the past or future; reside in the present. Use the tools given—mantra, meditation, satsang—to attain inner peace.
"Dharma rakṣati rakṣitaḥ." He who protects dharma, dharma protects him.
"Karma karte ro, phal kī cintā mat karo." Perform your duty; do not worry about the result.
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The Power of Satsaṅg and Awareness
The power of satsaṅg and awareness determines outcomes. Two friends chose differently. One attended satsaṅg physically but mentally dwelled on a missed movie. The other went to the movie but his awareness briefly touched satsaṅg. Afterward, the satsaṅg attendee got a thorn in his foot. The moviegoer found a gold coin. They sought explanation. The teacher revealed the satsaṅg attendee was destined for a car crash. Physical presence reduced it to a thorn. The moviegoer was destined for a box of gold coins. Fleeting awareness of satsaṅg reduced it to one coin. Physical presence without awareness still mitigates misfortune. Mental presence without physical attendance still grants reward. The power of satsaṅg transforms fate. It can make a king a beggar or a beggar a king. Everything depends on consciousness and awareness.
"That is the power of bhakti, that is the power of satsaṅg, and that is the power of Gurudeva."
"It all depends on the awareness and how we go forward with our lives."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
