Iyengar Yoga During Pregnancy: A Synthesis of Tradition and Experience
Yoga is a unified science of experience, transmitted through specific methodologies for application in life. The term "Iyengar Yoga" refers to one such tradition, emphasizing precision and the use of props to make the experience of āsanas accessible to all, regardless of condition. This approach allows for stability and comfort in any circumstance. The practice is supported by both long-term observation and formal research, which shows physiological changes, such as increased GABA levels, correlating with reduced anxiety and depression.
Applying this methodology to pregnancy involves strengthening the body and mind to manage stress and physiological changes. Specific, supported āsanas can address common issues like back pain and prepare for delivery. Crucially, practice must be guided by an experienced teacher within a framework of safety, collaborating with modern medicine rather than opposing it. The same principles apply in managing conditions like cancer, where yoga practices modulate stress responses, improve immune function, and help manage treatment side effects, contributing to better quality of life. The goal is always balance and integration.
"Āsanas are descriptions, not prescriptions."
"Samatvaṁ yoga ucyate. Balance is yoga."
Filming location: Delhi, India
Up next
The Journey Beyond the Three States
Closing words on the 16th day celebration of Matajis Mahasamadhi from Bhari Khatu, Rajasthan, India.
Vegetarian cooking lesson 12, Indian Upma
Upma is a simple, nourishing dish prepared quickly with roasted semolina and vegetables. Begin by dry-roasting the semolina to make it lighter and digestible. Heat ghee, which nourishes the body and supports the mind, in a pan. Fry chopped young onions, carrots, kohlrabi, and bell pepper. Mix powdered spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, Himalayan salt, and chili with a little water. Add the roasted semolina to the pan and fry briefly. Pour in boiling water while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes compact. Finish with fresh coriander and lemon juice to enhance flavor. This makes a light meal suitable for breakfast or dinner, served with a vegetable salad and yogurt.
"Ghee greatly improves the entire body, helps create more bodily tissues, and is very beneficial for our brain."
"Lemon juice is very useful as it enhances the flavor of the food."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Navabda Bhakti I
A new education is needed to awaken universal love and spiritual consciousness for world peace. This education must be free, not one-sided, teaching respect for all religions, cultures, and laws. Humans are born for spirituality; it alone saves the world and awakens consciousness. The difference from other creatures is improving spirituality for God Realization. Spiritual consciousness creates sustainability and protects the planet. It begins with educating children and awakening through bhakti, which is love. The tree gives fruit even to one who throws a stone, embodying oneness without dualities. Inner peace is required for world peace. The heart beats only for the one Self; there is no two, only one God, one truth, one love in many forms. One must accept all spiritual paths. Spiritual growth, not economic growth, solves global problems. This is cultivated through practices like satsaṅg and the ninefold path of devotion, which includes universal fellowship, listening to divine glories, maintaining faith, and worshipping God.
"Love your neighbor means to love all creatures as your own body. Every entity is myself."
"Spiritual consciousness is the answer for a sustainable world. It is essential for bringing peace and for creating a human education that helps us realize our humanity."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
DVD 477
Merging into light
Truly, there is no inherently bad day; only unfortunate events occur.
All creation holds beauty that requires care, from plants to furniture. When something cherished is lost, sadness arises. Objects touched by a holy one carry value because of that personality, not money. Negative thinking alone is bad; before judging, negativity already dwells within. The wise do not grieve because the soul is immortal. Without knowledge of the soul, attachment to form causes sorrow. A saint’s passing is a merging into Brahman, not cause for sadness. The sixteenth day is marked by Sorsi Bandhara, a feast with gifts and pusp anjali. This offering of flowers connects to the sixteen siddhis of attainment. The moon’s sixteen kalas influence plant growth and immunity. Planting during the waxing moon yields stronger, pest-resistant plants. Devpuriji possessed such light that he could appear in multiple places simultaneously. He once appeared to Holi Guruji, saying he was going to Europe to help. Immortal saints are present wherever remembered; they never leave. Yet the physical heart still feels longing, for love is boundless.
“Anything that has touched your Gurudev, keep it, for one day he or she will no longer be here. But you will treasure that it was her or his blessing.”
“I am going to Mahesh… to Europe… but on the way, I saw you sitting here, so I stopped just to bless you.”
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
