The Monkey-Minded Seeker: Desire, True Wisdom, and the Art of Coping
Desire for supernatural powers leads to monkey-mind, while true wisdom is cultivated through steady practice and acceptance.
Supernatural powers are not gained by mere wishing. A flower grows when an expert plants a seed, waters it, and lets time unfold. A seeker yearned for levitation, yet gurus refused to grant powers easily. He walked to a Tibetan monastery. Monks asked no questions; a bell rang for meals, leaving fasting voluntary. An old monk knew his desire and offered meditation. The seeker refused, demanding only powers. The monk imparted a mantra with a warning: do not think of monkeys while reciting. Instantly, monkeys filled his mind, blocking all practice. He returned to the monk in frustration. Instructing the mind to avoid something makes it fixate there. True progress comes through yoga and meditation. Rise during Brahma Muhurta, touch the earth in respect, then silently touch your parents’ feet. At this hour, cosmic energies intensify your mantra and kriya. Lord Rama’s life was suffering—exile, wife’s abduction, fire ordeal—yet he coped without comparing. When joy comes, be cheerful; when pain comes, discover your strength. Never compare your life to another’s. Be content as you are, while striving sincerely. Equanimity in all circumstances creates a perfect being.
"Do not think of monkeys. Do not think of monkeys while reciting."
"Meditation will benefit you far more through yoga. What will you do with such powers?"
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Up next
Learn to renounce
Health is the foundation for a holistic life encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Modern life imposes great stress on the body and mind. Aging brings a natural weakening and the challenge of attachments to possessions and family. There is also a prevalent fear not of death itself, but of a painful and dependent dying process. Yoga in Daily Life is designed as a graduated system to address these human conditions. It provides tailored practices for body, breath, and mind to reduce anxiety and cultivate inner peace. The ultimate aim is to realize a state of oneness where the knower, knowledge, and object merge, leading to freedom from fear.
"Tons of theory is nothing compared to a gram of practice."
"The knowledge, the knower, and the object. These three merge into oneness."
A Gathering at the Mahāprabhū Dīp Satsaṅg
This ashram is a center for yoga, culture, and harmony. It is maintained by devotees and supports the local village. People visit from across Europe and beyond for its peaceful atmosphere, clean air, and spiritual education. We offer teachings on Sanskrit, Indian scriptures, and European culture, maintaining a balance. The foundation promotes a sattvic lifestyle, including vegetarian and vegan food, emphasizing ahimsa. Veganism is a spiritual step to prevent animal suffering, like not taking milk from calves or honey from bees. Similarly, parents should care for their own children rather than use kindergartens. Preserve your native culture and language even when traveling; do not abandon your roots. Each country has its own beautiful culture. Yoga, especially the Sarvahitāsana practice, is the essential science for health of body, mind, and spirit. Practice daily. Avoid white sugar and junk food. You are welcome to visit this home anytime.
"Vegetarian is like a vegan, but more... very straight and very spiritual."
"Yoga is a science of the body, a science of the mind, a science of spirituality, and a science of the best practices."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Support the flame of life within you
The inner fire of tapasyā purifies the self through renunciation and steadfastness. All experiences—good and bad—arise from within our own consciousness, not from external sources. We project our inner negativity onto others, but blaming others only multiplies those negative qualities within our own awareness. True renunciation means letting go of attachment, anger, hate, and desire. Tapasyā is the inner fire that burns away all that is temporary and negative. This spiritual discipline does not require a remote location; it can be practiced wherever you live. Your consistent practice can make your own dwelling a holy place, radiating spiritual energy. The mind is restless and deceptive, like a reflection you cannot grasp directly; you must go beyond it. Your mantra and inner will are your supports. Ultimately, you alone must walk the path to quench your spiritual thirst; the source will not come to you. Happiness and divinity are already within you, given freely.
"Everything is within us. Be happy with this. And if there is weakness, then pray for that energy."
"Tapasyā is a fire which burns all negative qualities; everything burns. Fire is one of the best elements which purifies everything."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
Around the World - A Journey of Remembrance and Reverence
I recently traveled to pay respects at the samādhi of a revered female ascetic. She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our tradition, renowned for memorizing sacred texts from a very young age and receiving a title for it. She had a large spiritual family of disciples managing various ashrams. We shared a good connection from past meetings at gatherings and when she visited our Guru. Upon learning of her passing, I journeyed through the night to attend the funeral procession in Ahmedabad, which culminated in her burial at a chosen site outside the city alongside other senior ascetics. It was a full 24-hour journey of remembrance.
"She was the first female Mahāmaṇḍaleśvara in our Akhāṛā."
"Her wish was to have her samādhi in Hargośālā."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
