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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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
How to find peace
The path to peace, memory, and fearlessness is found through yogic health. Peace begins within the heart and cannot be gained from outside. A primary cause of disease and nervousness is stress from an imbalanced nervous system. Health requires disciplined nourishment. Practice Alpāhāra, eating little. After a meal, eat nothing for six hours, only water. This gives the digestive system rest. A healthy body sleeps well, a sign of peace. Memory is connected to the Mūlādhāra cakra. Practice Aśvinī Mudrā to strengthen the nervous system and develop memory. Practice Kapālabhāti Prāṇāyāma to activate the brain. Perform Śaṅkhaprakṣālana for internal purification. Health is primarily in your hands through practice. Control the diet, reduce quantity, and peace will follow.
"Śānti is within your heart. Peace begins from our heart."
"Eat as much as you can. But then, for six hours, nothing to eat."
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
The Foundation of Family and Dharma
The foundation of dharma is the family, beginning with reverence for mother and father. Fulfilling this duty is the path to God. Children must emulate their parents, continuing the lineage through righteous marriage. To abandon this unity, to allow children to fall into vice, is to forsake our humanity. Even animals demonstrate loyalty, perishing when separated from their kin. If humans fail in this basic duty, they fall short of that natural standard. Upholding the family is the essence of being human.
"From the first time and at the end, first comes mother and father."
"If we humans cannot be there for our children, mothers and fathers, then it is great, very good."
