The 3rd Sri Swami Maheshwarananda Festival (2/4)
The longing for the divine is the core of spiritual search. External pursuits bring only change, not lasting joy. Saints direct the search inward, where the beloved is found. The essence of creation is Oṁ, the sound and form of God. Knowing this secret, saints abide in eternal bliss. Practice purifies the layers of being, revealing the higher Self. The guru incarnates to bestow the knowledge and path for self-realization. This teaching dispels the illusion of separation from God.
"Somehow, the world pulls us outward, but there is always change."
"Without Aum, your spiritual practice is senseless."
Filming location: Debrecen, Hungary
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What is the most precious thing in life?
The most precious thing in life is good health, which yoga provides as a gift from Svayaṁbhū Śiva. This primordial consciousness, unborn and without parents, manifested all creation from the single thought, "I am one, and I will multiply." This manifestation is Sanātana Dharma—the eternal principle of oneness in all existence, not a religion. Humans have lost this spirituality, creating separate religions instead. True religion is to realize your relation to God, leading to Self-Realization where the individual soul and God are one. Life's quality depends on aligning with the positive, divine power (Devī Śakti) of love and non-violence, not the negative (Āsurī Śakti) of harm. In the current Kali Yuga, suffering prevails as humans become selfish, governed by material desire like gold. The only solution is to renounce attachment and thereby enjoy true freedom and enter the kingdom of God.
"Realize your relation to God is the religion."
"Renounce and enjoy."
Filming location: Maribor, Slovenia
Clean Your Inner Conflicts
Yoga in daily life extends beyond personal health to encompass society and planetary peace. It is not merely physical exercise but a comprehensive practice. The ego claims ownership of the planet, yet we belong to it as guests. This false ownership sows seeds of conflict—over territory, family, and caste—causing global unrest. True practice requires cleansing inner dissatisfaction and conflict. External rituals like wearing stones are less potent than polishing one's own inner being, the most precious stone. The practice of mālā is an offering of the mind; its power flows from the practitioner's thoughts and feelings during repetition. Caution is needed most from oneself. Yoga must transcend selfishness to include physical, mental, social, and spiritual health for the entire planet. The story of a devoted king tested by God illustrates the severity of trials required to uphold one's word and principles for the sake of truth, demonstrating the depth of surrender beyond mere theory.
"Mother Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but never enough for greed."
"Polish your stone."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
DVD 383
Yoga is a science
Yoga is the science of body, mind, consciousness, and soul, a universal principle of balance and harmony. Our subject is Kuṇḍalinī and the chakras, the hidden powers in human consciousness. The chakras are centers that receive and circulate cosmic energy through the body. We possess five bodies or layers: the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and causal bodies. The causal body holds desires and the potential for divine bliss. The soul is a collection of karma and qualities; it does not dissolve until self-realization is attained. Chakras must be purified through mantra and practice for the Kuṇḍalinī to awaken safely. Without proper guidance, this awakening can cause imbalance and distress. Life is love, and love is God. Creating friendship and walking the path with love is essential. The world is a field of karma for development, yet one must remain detached like a lotus in muddy water. The first chakra, Mūlādhāra, is the root foundation. Its red color represents concentrated energy and the earth element. The lotus symbolizes remaining untouched by worldly temptations while fulfilling one's duty. The four petals represent the four aims of human life: dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kāma (righteous desires and progeny), and mokṣa (liberation).
"Yoga without spirituality is like a body without a soul; no achievement can take place without spirituality."
"If you protect your dharma, dharma will protect you."
Filming location: Australia
Karma, Dharma, and the Purification of the Inner Being
Karma and dharma govern the purification of the inner being.
Śubh karma, good deeds, purifies the antaḥkaraṇa—the inner instrument of manas (mind), buddhi (intellect), citta (consciousness), and ahaṁkāra (ego). Aśubh karma, negative deeds, pollutes it. Our actions through the senses and mind create karma, judged by their quality. Destiny unfolds from this behavior. Before facing great trouble, one's good intellect is taken away, leading to poor decisions. Therefore, purify the antaḥkaraṇa through śubh karma. This awakens divine tendencies like compassion and love. When afraid or lost, pray with a heart full of love; God hears such prayers. Dharma is righteousness and discipline. Losing it awakens negative tendencies like desire and anger. Attachment is powerful and sticky. Even great sages struggle with it. Your spiritual practice requires immense patience, like a careful climber. Do not hurry. Look only to your own karma and purify your inner mirror through good thoughts, speech, and action.
"Śubh karma, the good karmas, good deeds, purifies our antaḥkaraṇa."
"Whenever you feel scared, you should pray... Your mind should be full of love."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
