Cosmic energy
Prāṇa is the life force and the core inquiry is the nature of the self. Prāṇa is the cosmic energy enabling existence, divided into specific aspects for functions like sight and heartbeat. Physical prāṇa is linked to oxygen, while astral prāṇa is the eternal cosmic supply. The fundamental questions are: Who am I? From where did I come? For what purpose? Where will I go after this life? The self is not the body, mind, or intellect, but that which says "I." Awareness travels with the speed of thought, expanding consciousness instantly. Life's duty is to perform one's role well, though discerning how to truly help others requires understanding their actual needs. To protect and harmonize prāṇa, adhere to four nourishments: āhār (pure, sattvic diet), vihār (positive environment and company), ācār (kind, socialized behavior), and vicār (positive thinking). Practice prāṇāyāma to regulate breath and connect to spiritual energy, using specific techniques with alternate nostrils to calm the nervous system and cultivate pure consciousness.
"Prāṇa is the life force. Prāṇa is the source of our life."
"Who am I? I am not this body, I am not this mind, I am not this intellect."
Filming locations: Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
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The Seed of Transformation: From Suffering to Surrender
The seed of transformation requires watering and surrender.
We plant a seed and water it through satsaṅg. The seed cracks open and grows. Initial growth is invisible, like bamboo strengthening roots. Suffering is universal. We distract ourselves from suffering with busyness and joy, but these are momentary. We ask: who is suffering? The "my" in "my problems" is imaginary, revealed when comfort zones shake. Problems are often self-created and solvable. We give problems to the divine but forget to share happiness. Neither happiness nor sadness belongs to us; the ātmā is the observer. Desire for more distracts from inner work. Peace comes without external things. Spiritual development requires our own effort; the guru lights the flame, but we must fuel it. Teachings are for ourselves, not others. Be the change. Selfless service brings lasting joy, unlike expectation-driven actions. Remove "you" and "me" to become "we." The mind is a dust-covered mirror; each practice removes a layer. Surrender all—success, failure, qualities, flaws—to the divine. Live like a lotus in muddy water, untouched.
"Every lock has a key. Every problem has a solution."
"We need to realize that neither this happiness is ours, nor this sadness is ours."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
The spiritual lineage
The spiritual lineage connects devotees to an ancient source of grace. A disciple met the master as a baby and received lifelong blessings, countering predictions of a short life and lack of education or wealth. The lineage extends back seven generations through the family. The source of the teachings is the immortal master Alakpuriji, who dwells in the Himalayas. Such perfected beings exist in subtle, causal bodies beyond the material world, serving as protectors. They can be perceived by pure hearts, as seen in lights over glaciers. The path requires sacrifice of attachment to enter the divine kingdom, as demonstrated by Yudhiṣṭhira's loyalty. The goal is liberation through this spotless, indescribable grace.
"Tell me when you’re ready to leave this earth to come, I’ll call you."
"Enter the kingdom of the Lord through the gate of sacrifice."
Filming location: Atlanta, Goergia, USA
Morning practice from Strilky
Today's practice is Vajrāsana, Bhāvan Muktā Āsana, and Marjari with breathwork.
We follow the sequence from the book, omitting the lying-down part due to space.
Begin with hands crossed above the head, lower slowly.
Place straight hands in front, palms facing up.
Inhale, bring fingers to the shoulders, elbows forward.
Exhale, extend the arms to the front.
Repeat this breath-linked movement multiple times.
Sit in Vajrāsana, then straighten the legs.
For Bhāvan Muktā Āsana, sit with straight back and relaxed shoulders.
Inhale, bring the right knee to the chest.
Exhale, forehead toward the knee, hold above the knee.
Remain for four breaths, then release.
Repeat with the left leg.
Bring the tailbone toward the heels, hold the knee, straighten the leg.
Place the foot on the thigh, hold the toes.
Perform Marjari with breath, moving up and down.
Then practice bārikhāṭu with mantra: count one, two, three, then four, five, seven through nineteen, twenty-four to twenty-seven.
Those in poor health sit aside.
"We will follow the sequence from the book, but we cannot do the part that requires lying down because there is not enough space for everyone."
"Stay in this position for only four breaths, then inhale and slowly relax your body."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
What is God?
The divine is perceived as both formless and with form. The formless God, Nirākāra, is like the horizon or sky—everywhere yet unreachable. The personal God, Sākāra, has a form we can relate to, speak with, and worship. Scripture states both are valid, but for humanity, worship with form is easier as it allows for relationship and dialogue. Our human nature encompasses both aspects. We are advised to use our divine potential through proper practice, as our latent powers can lead us toward divinity or negativity. How we speak and act directly impacts our spiritual and physical well-being, as our energy flows through subtle centers. We must choose a path that awakens our higher consciousness.
"both are good, Nirākāra and Sākāra, the formless and with form. But he said, for you... it is easier to worship in form."
"you have a chance of being a human... you are divine, you are godly, but all is dormant."
Filming location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
