Sanskrit names are important
Āsana is a term with deep meaning in the yogic system, which is connected to the Sanskrit language. The word signifies a seat, a dwelling place, or a posture. One's yoga mat is a yoga āsana. The place one sleeps is an āsana. The specific postures, like Bhujaṅgāsana, are also called āsana. The term's meaning depends entirely on context. Yoga is a vast science greater than allopathic medicine, and its proper terminology carries inherent knowledge. Similarly, prāṇāyāma fundamentally consists of inhalation, retention, and exhalation. The Sanskrit alphabet resonates with the body's energy centers, and the language balances the mind. True communication begins with the heart's touch.
"Wherever you sit, that is your āsana."
"Prāṇāyāma is only three: pūraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention), and recaka (exhalation)."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Up next
Yoga is for the whole Earth
A story illustrates human kindness and the universal essence of yoga. A medical situation in India prompted an immediate and coordinated response from contacts in Austria, arranging care and transport. This demonstrated a system where care is provided without discrimination, solely based on shared humanity. The event highlights a principle: we must take care of humans. The current age, Kali Yuga, is marked by division and the ego's declaration of "I am the best." Yoga is the means to cleanse the mind, and it is for all life, not any single country or religion. Yogic postures are inspired by nature—trees and animals. We cannot correct others, only ourselves. The correction begins by affirming "I am human" and recognizing our connection to all.
"Yoga is life, for the whole earth."
"There was no one word, religion, in Satyuga, Dvāparayuga, Tretāyuga."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Prayer for peace
A silent prayer for global peace was offered. This practice is Mauna Yoga, an inner prayer conducted in mental silence. Governments have advised quiet in places of gathering. The prayer is directed inwardly to the divine for all beings worldwide. This is a time for universal brotherhood and collective prayer for peace. Practitioners should maintain personal care and positive thought. The global community of practitioners continues through online connection. Service is provided selflessly, as all sustenance comes from the divine. Therefore, one should act without fear or anger, sustained by faith.
"All religions should join together. We all should pray to God that all humans, all animals, and this whole globe remain in a very clear, peaceful atmosphere."
"Yoga is for harmony, peace, and understanding. One should not think negatively of a person."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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
Hanumanji
The divine play between God and devotee involves tests to purify ego.
God and devotee are ultimately one, appearing in two forms to enact a divine play. Hanuman, an incarnation of Shiva, is the perfect devotee of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. After Rama's victory, he tasked Hanuman with remaining on Earth to protect devotees. One day, while Hanuman chanted Rama's name, he reflected on his own indispensable deeds in Rama's mission. Sensing this rising ego, Rama devised a lesson. He praised Hanuman extensively and then gave him a simple duty: to deliver a ring to a sage in the Himalayas. Hanuman journeyed there and found the sage, who instructed him to throw the ring into a water pond. When Hanuman hesitated, the sage told him to retrieve it. Hanuman found the pond filled with identical rings. The sage explained that each ring represented a past divine incarnation, and Vishnu performed similar heroic deeds through each. Hanuman's great feats were not unique but part of the eternal divine play, accomplished through divine grace. The lesson was to dissolve the devotee's ego.
"Hanuman, whenever Vishnu incarnates on this earth, he has to pay the tax."
"Go and say to Rāma that... 'Your duty is finished, now you can go back.'"
Filming location: Wellington, New Zealand
