Nature of our Atma
The essence of vṛtti and ātmā is the path to oneness.
A good vṛtti is seen as discipline and humility in one's life, observed by others. Vṛtti manifests in two ways: through external discipline from parents and teachers, and through one's inherent nature. It refers to one's actions and habits, such as seeking food beyond what is provided at home. The story of a man at a dinner, whose poor manners spoiled another's meal, illustrates an unconscious vṛtti. The ultimate aim is chitta vṛtti nirodha, the cessation of mental modifications. We are all one, like individual drops from a vast ocean. This drop, the jīva or soul, when it merges back into the ocean, becomes Shiva, the divine. The divine essence is within everyone, pure and indestructible. It is the ever-awakened truth, unaffected by the body or the elements. This inner ātmā is our true, limitless form. The path is through constant meditation and the soham mantra, realizing "He am I," to achieve this silent oneness.
"Stone by stone. And day by day, I will build it, my temple."
"Where are you searching for me? I am within."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
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Iccha Shakti
The Power of Will and Divine Grace
Whatever you wish, by God’s grace, nothing is impossible. But before expressing a wish, know its nature. God fulfills all desires, good or bad. Therefore, cultivate discrimination first. Without discrimination, desire leads to suffering. A monkey wished for honey, but got a cobra and died. The wish was fulfilled, but without knowledge, it brought death. Humans often desire harmful things. Use intellect to analyze wishes before pursuing them. Spiritual wishes are certainly fulfilled by grace. Pārvatī asked Śiva for a simple teaching. Śiva replied: “I tell my own experience: devotion to God is the ultimate truth.” In Kali Yuga, repeating God’s name is the support to cross the ocean of ignorance. Willpower is a great power, but must be guided by wisdom. Energy is one, manifesting in many forms; use it wisely. With clear will and divine grace, all good is attainable.
"Jo icchā karahī manamai Hari kṛpā durlabh nahī̃."
"Umā kahu anubhava apnā, Hari bhajana eka satya."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary
Around the world - Inauguration Nandeshwar
Yoga progresses from physical practice to the realization of the supreme Self. The foundation is Āsana, the physical posture. Remaining only there is mere exercise. One must proceed to Prāṇāyāma to steady the mind, then Pratyāhāra to withdraw the senses. This leads to Dhāraṇā, concentration, and then unbroken Dhyāna, meditation. Yet meditation retains duality. Samādhi dissolves this, unifying knower, knowing, and known into Turīya, the fourth state. The ultimate goal is beyond even this: Turīyātīta, the transcendent Conscious Principle, the Self of absolute Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss. All practices are a boat to cross the river; upon reaching the far shore, the boat is left behind.
"All practices—Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Dhyāna—are merely the boat to cross the river."
"This is not a state to be attained; it is our very essence, the Chetan Puruṣa, the Conscious Principle."
Around the world - Opening of new YIDL center in Ptuj, Slovenia
We mark 25 years of teaching Yoga in Daily Life here, a voluntary mission from an authentic Indian school. We secured our own space, now becoming a blessed ashram. We have brought yoga to schools, libraries, and communities for all ages through dedicated effort. Yoga is ancient, a science of body, mind, and soul, intertwined with Āyurveda as natural knowledge for health. It is not passive meditation but active practice for concentration and peace. Its universal message is recognized internationally. We must return to natural living, embracing yoga and Āyurveda for well-being, seeing all cultures and people as one family under God.
"Yoga is the science of body, mind, and soul."
"Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam,' which means the whole world is one family."
Filming location: Slovenia
Repeat the name of Gurudev
The human birth is a rare and urgent opportunity. The scriptures and all aspects of existence point to a single imperative. The sole necessity is to fix the mind upon the Guru's name. This precious human form is exceedingly difficult to obtain again. One must become truly human in this very moment. By being steadfast in this practice, the vision of the true Self is attained. Do not waste this fleeting chance.
"Oh lamp of qualities, Hari, fix your mind on the Guru’s name. This opportunity will not come again; be human."
"This is the totality of knowledge: to be human."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
