The Fire of three tapas
The three fires are the fundamental problems of existence: physical and mental illness, worldly conflict, natural calamities, and astral or karmic disturbances. Ancient seers researched how to gain protection from these afflictions, which also shield one from planetary and societal influences. All beings, like a mobile tree, are subject to these universal forces. There are mantras to cultivate positive divine power, though negative power is realized more easily. Engaging with negative energies binds one to suffering, while aligning with the positive ultimately leads to unity. Ancestral prayers, a universal science reflected in many traditions, are necessary to prevent interference and liberate souls for new birth. Similarly, foundational ceremonies for new endeavors align energies for harmony. For spiritual practice, mantras act as a navigator, guiding through obstacles and past mistakes. The peace mantra from the Upanishads is a foundational tool. It seeks guidance from unreality to reality, from ignorance to light, and from mortality to immortality. The aim is to realize the immortal Self, beyond the changing body and world. This path faces external obstacles like negative company and internal ones like anger and ego. Mantra clears these barriers. Life is like a dream from which one awakens to a different reality. A realized being, a Trikāla Darśī, perceives past, present, and future, knowing how to avoid pitfalls. Ultimately, one surrenders to the divine will, though a self-realized master can alter destiny. Meditation requires mantra as its animating soul. Concentrating on inner sound through Nāda Yoga leads from bodily sounds to the sound of the Self. This requires immense discipline and saying 'no' to endless desires. Active meditation, performed with love in any work, purifies the outer life, which in turn supports inner, passive meditation.
Filming location: London, UK
DVD 579
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Practising Asanas 3
Yoga practice requires synchronization, observation, and depth. Begin by relaxing completely in Ānandāsana, feeling the body's heaviness and observing the complete yoga breath. Synchronized movement creates a harmonized energy, unlike individual rhythms which disperse it. This principle applies to physical postures and collective chanting, balancing the ego. Practice with control, not quick movements, to strengthen core muscles and influence the thyroid gland and energy centers. Observe the body's sensations and circulation after each posture. The worst outcome is believing one already knows everything; consistent practice reveals new dimensions within the same postures.
"Once, the first secretary of the Indian embassy in Zagreb was at a seminar. He was so surprised that we were practicing all together, not each in our own rhythm. What he said was, 'Oh, it’s a completely different energy. It is so harmonized.'"
"Try to chant together, not too loud, and be aware of our collective sound. This is also excellent against our ego."
What have you done for others?
The path to spiritual completeness is taken step by step. The aim is self-realization, to reach the divine light within. One must focus on this ultimate aim, yet not miss the path by focusing only on the end. Progress requires knowing your present situation clearly. Identify a single weakness and take a vow to cultivate its opposite quality. Transformation happens gradually through persistent practice, not by jumping ahead. The Guru provides tools and guidance, but the work must be done by oneself. True growth comes from doing, not merely listening or reading. We are all connected divine souls on the same journey. Spread love through awareness and simple acts of kindness. At life's end, the essential question will be what you did for others. Shine your light by example, not by forcing others.
"Don’t expect that in this life you will realize God. It can be, but don’t expect it. We have to go only step by step and put all our energy inside."
"At the end of our life, God will not ask you how many big books you read... But you know what He will ask? What have you done for others?"
Be careful with the mind
The spiritual path is narrow and perilous, requiring vigilant discernment. Pride in the body or limited knowledge is a profound weakness. Spiritual development itself brings danger, akin to a newborn vulnerable to infection. Negative influences and mental afflictions can infiltrate and destroy progress from within, much like a small axe fells a mighty tree when joined by the forest that becomes its handle. Therefore, the protective power of true satsaṅga, or holy company, is essential. In this dark age of ignorance, the path is slippery and lined with adversaries. One must be humble, avoid negative company, and remain steadfast on the chosen path, for the mind can either liberate or destroy.
"Satguru satsaṅg yārī olu avere, olu avere nen bharja avere." (I am longing for those people who have satsaṅg.)
"Galiyāṁ choṭī, rāt andherī, rāste meṁ chikanāī." (The path is very narrow, the night is very dark, and the road is slippery.)
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
How could we live a happy life
The Gāyatrī Mantra is a Vedic practice for peace and balanced memory, not a sect. Research on the Vedas explores mantras and their effects. Chanting at sunrise connects one to solar energy. Traditional practices, like girls praying to sacred trees for harmonious marriage, stem from unity, not superficial beauty. Marriage was a familial and societal alignment. Life is sustained by prāṇa, the vital energy in all beings, which constitutes the prāṇamaya kośa. This energy is life itself; its departure is death. All creatures possess this prāṇa and chakras. One should not kill while prāṇa remains. Consciousness persists after the body, necessitating prayers for ancestors. These are not fairy tales but realities of the subtle body.
"If you chant the Gāyatrī Mantra for five minutes, it will give you immense peace and your memory will be balanced."
"Prāṇa means life, and Prāṇa is God. So that energy we call God."
