Learning in the Gurukul
The Gurukul provides traditional education rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, distinct from modern commercial systems. Education began with the ṛṣis, and the first university was Takshilā in India. Our Gurukul adopts students as Jñānaputra, offering free education. The ancient Pītāmbara uniform symbolizes purity and focus. True education is cultural, ethical, and spiritual, not merely for earning money. Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. Sanskrit is the mother of most languages, and Indian culture spread globally. The Gurukul system was dismantled under British rule, replaced by a limited English system. We now blend modern competitiveness with foundational morality, teaching why to use knowledge, not just how. Education must be daily and consistent, like eating. Supporters make this possible.
"Knowledge itself is an imperishable wealth. From the hand, you can steal money... but in the mind, the knowledge, no one can take it."
"We have to have modern education to be competitive in this world. But still, on top of that, Gurudev is trying to put one more layer, which was actually there before."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Up next
Prana and spirituality
The human form is a rare opportunity among countless creatures, created from the five elements and endowed with special abilities. Prāṇa is the vital energy that binds the five bodies—physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and causal—into a single being. This causal body is born from desire, perpetuating the wheel of action and reaction. Prāṇa and Apāna are opposing forces; Prāṇa draws energy in, while Apāna expels waste. Their meeting point is the navel at the Maṇipūra Cakra. Impure Apāna, caused by consuming foods like meat, garlic, and beans, creates imbalance and disease, blocking spiritual ascent. Purity of body and thought is essential. Quality attracts quality; an impure mind is repelled by spiritual company. The essence of life is to realize its temporary nature and focus on the divine name.
"Prāṇa is that energy which keeps together all the five bodies."
"The joy is in the name of God. All your other works and business, everything is unreal."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
DVD 221
Paths of destiny
Yoga is the principle that balances, harmonizes, and unites space and consciousness. Its author is Lord Śiva, who first manifested through the cosmic sound Oṁ and bestowed the science of Yoga Vidyā. This living tradition is transmitted from master to disciple; theory without practice is insufficient. The human body is a microcosm connected to cosmic energy through channels called nāḍīs. The primary channels are Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and Suṣumnā, governing energy, light, and resonance. The body's form reflects universal principles, with divisions like brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, and śūdra corresponding to the head, arms, trunk, and legs, illustrating inherent unity without untouchability.
The heart center, the anāhata chakra, represents love without borders. It houses divine qualities like happiness and compassion, while lower centers contain limited, material desires. Awakening energy from the mūlādhāra chakra brings forth one's destiny and karma. This energy must be purified through centers like maṇipūra to reach the heart in a state of universal love. The ultimate aim is the merger of energy, resonance, and light into cosmic consciousness. This is achieved through practices like Kuṇḍalinī Yoga and specific kriyās, which involve bandhas to direct energy through the suṣumnā channel. Real yoga is a 24-hour practice of positive living, ahiṃsā, and love for all creatures, leading to self-realization.
"Yoga is not only physical and breath exercises; it is that principle which balances, harmonizes, and unites space and consciousness."
"Love is without boundaries—universal love, not individual love. The seat of the Ātmā is in the Anāhata cakra."
DVD 500
Practicing of the system 'Yoga in Daily Life', Level 1 - Part 5
Welcome to the practice of Yoga in Daily Life, a complete system for health and spiritual development.
This system originates from an authentic Himalayan lineage. It is presented in a book of eight levels, each containing physical, breathing, and mental exercises, including purification techniques and meditation. A core principle is Karma Yoga, the practice of selfless service and love for all beings. The practice also advocates a vegetarian lifestyle. Today's session continues from Level One. The practice integrates postures, breath control, and deep relaxation to harmonize body and mind.
"The light and teaching of this yoga science passed through an authentic and uninterrupted stream of wisdom."
"Prāṇāyāma not only influences the physical body but also the brain centres, balancing both hemispheres to regain the harmony that is the aim of a yoga life."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Questions and answers from Debrecen
A yogic path integrates self-sufficient living with disciplined practice. Begin a farm with both greenhouse and organic garden crops, developing it from a hobby into a community offering yoga retreats. The first spiritual step is dietary control: consume limited, home-prepared meals without sweets or junk food. Fast for four to five hours between meals, consuming only water. This discipline eliminates most bodily difficulties, strengthens immunity, and supports meditation, which requires a mantra. Prāṇāyāma cleanses physical diseases, and satsaṅg with virtuous friends is essential. Avoid all intoxicants, as they embody destructive energies. Prefer local, seasonal, organic produce; soy is nutritious only if organic. Raw milk is healthful, but regulations sometimes adulterate it. True practice requires organizing life around these principles.
"Meditation without a mantra is a body without a soul."
"Prāṇāyāma will tell them, 'Get out of this body! What are you doing here?'"
Filming location: Debrecen, Hungary
