Women can bring peace
The four yogic paths are interdependent, each requiring the others for fulfillment. Karma Yoga needs the knowledge of Jñāna, the devotion of Bhakti, and the discipline of Rāja. Bhakti Yoga requires the action of Karma, the understanding of Jñāna, and the structure of Rāja. These paths are united like the elements in a body. True discipline, or Rāja Yoga, means following the Guru's word without deviation. In this age, many seek blessings without discipline, believing a mantra is sufficient. This is a mistake. To attain self-realization, one must obey the Master's instructions completely. A story illustrates this: a disciple ignored his guru's specific warning and, by claiming ownership of a thief's shoes, was condemned to hang. The guru's word is paramount; its value is often understood only in hindsight. Holy scriptures constitute this essential guidance.
"Karma Yoga needs Bhakti Yoga. Karma Yoga needs Jñāna Yoga. And Karma Yoga also needs Rāja Yoga."
"If you truly wish to achieve ātmā jñāna, self-realization, liberation, immortality, divinity, and saintliness, then you must follow what the Master says."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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Awakening within a human body
The heart is central to spiritual development and the awakening of divine joy through Kundalini.
Destiny is the fruit of karma; every situation has meaning. Face destiny to be free from it. The heart feels everything quicker than the intellect. A divine light resides within it, the light of the Ātmā. Every creature with a heart carries God's manifestation. Negative energy produces desires and fear, while desirelessness brings true happiness and richness. This body is a wondrous creation where God resides and speaks. No heart is empty of the divine presence. Harsh words wound the heart, and only love and mantra can heal it. When Kundalini awakens and touches the heart, it overflows with devotion and happiness, leading to bhāva samādhi. This state is the highest joy and a healing process for the body. Understanding the meaning of words in prayer or song allows them to penetrate the consciousness and induce this samādhi. Sound, light, and energy from mantras have a healing effect, traveling through the nāḍīs to awaken divine love.
"When there is a problem, everyone remembers God."
"The happiest and richest person is one who has no desires, neither physically nor materially."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
DVD 502
Rules and regulations are important
Sādhana rests upon four essential principles: conduct, thought, diet, and recreation.
Discipline in behavior is paramount, encompassing punctuality and consideration. Thought must be guarded, as exchanging distracting thoughts creates disturbances within the mind and intellect, leading to afflictions and obstacles. Therefore, many masters impose strict silence during practice. Such rigorous retreats, even for corporate leaders, serve as treatments for stress and psychic turmoil by forcing confrontation with internal heat and agitation, which are then calmed by the Master's guidance. Personal transformation through consistent practice affects one's entire environment, bringing peace to relationships. The essence is to speak only what is necessary, avoiding idle talk. Adherence to these principles of conduct, thought, moderate eating, and mindful activity forms the foundation of successful spiritual practice.
"Exchanging your thoughts will disturb you, definitely. Because such thoughts in sādhana create vikṣepa."
"Speak what is necessary. That’s very important for sādhana."
There is no end of learning
The ashram is heaven on earth, a place of immense energy where the Guru is always present in essence. A journey unfolds through divine guidance, not personal will. A trip to India for Guru Pūrṇimā was redirected by unseen forces, leading one back to the ashram family. Later, guidance came through a spoken sentence about Romania, which led to the establishment of an ashram there through inner instruction, not conversation. A pilgrimage to holy sites in the Himalayas was similarly guided, with paths clearing miraculously to allow darśan. In all endeavors, the Guru's direction is for self-learning. Yoga is a path to discover who one is. Scientific research into modified prāṇāyāma, inspired by the Guru's words, later fostered a university collaboration and a successful public yoga event, where a protective cloud appeared as a sign.
"With our yoga in daily life, it is not just āsana. It is a way to learn about ourselves and to look at ourselves."
"One sentence from Gurudev can change and influence so many things."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Guru Kripa He Kevalam
The current global condition reflects a fundamental lack of respect for all life. Humans have disregarded other creatures, viewing them merely as food, and have destroyed forests, harming the earth's balance. This disrespect may be the root of our afflictions. True health and peace require respecting all creation—animals, forests, and vegetation. Our dietary habits must be sattvic, avoiding harm. Physical health depends on disciplined eating, allowing proper digestion. Yet, bodily care is ultimately temporary. Spiritual progress requires a true guide. Without the authentic lineage and grace of a Guru, one cannot advance, like a traveler without a passport. Distraction by desires causes us to miss the door to liberation. Self-discipline is the essential inner staff for the disciple.
"God did not say, 'Kill this and eat this.' That is criminality."
"Therefore, guru paramparā is very, very important."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
